Kendrapara: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought for an Action Taken Report from Gajapati District Collector and the Superintendent of Police on the death of a pregnant minor student in the district. The apex rights body sought the ATR May 9 after human rights activist Radhakant Tripathy moved the NHRC alleging that one minor Dalit girl, studying in Class VIII of Jhirjira Ashram School run by the ST/SC Development department in Gajapati district, died due to medical negligence May 6 last while undergoing treatment at the District Headquarter Hospital. Tripathy said the victim girl was found four months pregnant. It is alleged that the school authorities did not inform the parents about her pregnancy earlier. Tripathy contended that the death of a pregnant student in the present case poses serious questions of violation of human rights. He sought the intervention of the Commission inter-alia for legal action against the wrongdoers, compensation to the bereaved family, and proper counselling, mental care, and regular medical checkups.
The NHRC sought the reports within four weeks and forwarded a copy of the petition to the Odisha Chief Secretary and the DGP for information and further action. The petitioner requested the NHRC to investigate the case and ensure legal action against the wrongdoers, compensation to the bereaved family, and proper counseling.