PRESS RELEASE

New Delhi, 3rd May, 2016

The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC has taken suo motu cognizance of media reports about yet another 'Nirbhaya' like rape and murder of a Dalit law student, whose body was found by her mother on Friday, the 29th April, 2016 evening, in Ernakulam, Kerala.

The Commission, on the basis of the media reports, has observed that the crime is so spine-chilling and gruesome that words fall short and expressing anguish and shock appear meaningless and mere ritualistic. It is a matter of utmost concern that women's security is facing grave threat in spite of several measures taken in the recent times including amendment in the Indian Penal Code, Criminal Procedure Code and Evidence Act.

The Commission has issued notices to the Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, Government of Kerala as well as Superintendent of Police, Ernakulam Rural at Aluva. They have been asked to submit a detailed report on the incident and action taken in the matter within two weeks.

According to the media reports, the 29 year old woman was murdered after rape inside her home, near an isolated stretch, at Vattolippidi Canal Bund near Perumbavoor in District Ernakulam, Kerala. Her body had at least 30 injuries, including on the private parts. Reportedly, the assault on her stomach was such that the small intestine had spilled out.

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