The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of media reports alleging that a 17-year-old tribal girl from Dhenkanal district in Odisha was trafficked to Jhansi in Uttar Pradesh, where she was sold and repeatedly sexually assaulted for nearly two years.
Details of the Incident
According to the reports, the girl, along with three others, was taken to Uttar Pradesh under the pretext of job offers. An Odia man allegedly sold her to a Jhansi resident named Asish Yadav. The girl was reportedly raped multiple times by Yadav and his father. After she became pregnant, the pregnancy was terminated. She was then confined for several days before being sold again to Chandrapal Kushwah of a nearby area for Rs 50,000.
Further Allegations
The reports further allege that Kushwah, along with his elder brother and uncles, sexually assaulted her and threatened her when she attempted to escape. The girl later managed to escape with the help of a local lawyer, who took her to the Jhansi district headquarters.
NHRC Action
NHRC sources revealed that while the girl's statement was recorded in Jhansi, no further police action was taken beyond arranging a train ticket for her return to Odisha. After she returned on May 22, the Odisha police recorded her statement and initiated an investigation. The commission has issued notices to the directors general of police of Odisha and Uttar Pradesh, as well as the Dhenkanal district magistrate, demanding a detailed report within two weeks. The report must include the progress of the investigation and measures taken for the victim's relief and rehabilitation.
Police Response
Dhenkanal police stated that the girl filed a complaint on May 23. Police officer Jitendra Mallick confirmed that a case was registered immediately, her statement was recorded, and a full investigation has been launched, including a team visit to Jhansi to examine the allegations.
