NHRC Requests Reports from Odisha and West Bengal Governments on Acid Attack Cases
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The NHRC demands detailed reports from West Bengal and Odisha governments concerning acid attack incidents, focusing on prevention, victim support, and compliance with compensation guidelines.
Key Takeaways
- NHRC seeks action reports on acid attack incidents.
- Victims are often deprived of justice and compensation.
- Concerns raised over state government response to acid attacks.
- Request for fresh surveys on acid attack survivors.
- Emphasis on preventing over-the-counter acid sales.
Bhubaneswar, Feb 16 (NationPress) The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has requested comprehensive reports from the governments of West Bengal and Odisha regarding various matters associated with the prevention of acid attack incidents within their jurisdictions.
The Commission has instructed the Chief Secretaries of both states to present their reports within a six-week timeframe following the receipt of this directive.
The NHRC issued this order while addressing a petition lodged by human rights advocate Radhakanta Tripathy.
In his petition, Tripathy highlighted multiple acid attack incidents in Odisha, West Bengal, Delhi, and other regions across India, asserting that survivors of acid attacks are often denied justice.
He urged the commission to guarantee justice, safety, security, financial compensation, and rehabilitation for acid attack survivors throughout India.
In response to the petition, the commission issued a notice to the relevant stakeholders, demanding an Action Taken Report concerning acid attacks, compensation payments, and measures to prevent such dreadful occurrences on November 25, 2024. The NHRC expressed grave concerns regarding the shortcomings of the state governments in ensuring a secure environment for citizens, particularly women.
“While the sale of acids over-the-counter is strictly forbidden, the police report does not address how the accused procured the acid in these cases,” stated the NHRC.
The commission questioned the delays in compensating victims of acid attacks in two specific cases. The NHRC also sought a response from the governments of West Bengal and Odisha regarding their adherence to the guidelines set by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on November 9, 2016, concerning adequate compensation for acid attack victims.
Additionally, Tripathy has urged the NHRC to obtain a detailed report following a new survey of acid attack victims conducted by the MHA, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, and the NCRB on the total number of acid attack survivors in India, categorized by state and year, and to ensure the execution of both central and state schemes that provide compensation and legal actions against offenders.
