Reported attack on Welfare Department official in Madhya Pradesh
for campaigning against child marriage:
NHRC seeks comments from State Government
New Delhi, 13 May 2005
The National Human Rights Commission has taken suo-motu cognizance based on a report titled "Welfare dept official's hands cut off - Shakuntala Attacked For Campaigning Against Child Marriage" which was widely reported in the media on 12 May 2005. As per the report, on Tuesday evening, a man forced entry into the house of Ms. Shakuntala Verma, Superintendent of the Madhya Pradesh Women & Child Welfare Department with a sword in hand and with a violent blow stabbed her. Ms. Shakuntala paid a price for creating awareness among rural masses against child marriages with her arms. She was part of an awareness campaign conducted jointly by the District Administration and the Department of Women and Child Welfare to oppose the practice of child marriage.
The Commission observed that if the contents of the repot are true, it raises serious issues not only of violation of human rights of the victim but also of obstacles being put in the way of officials in doing their duty in accordance with the mandate of law.
The Commission, in an order passed on 12 May 2005, asked the Chief Secretary, Government of Madhya Pradesh to look into the newspaper report and submit comments within two weeks.
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The National Human Rights Commission has taken suo-motu cognizance based on a report titled "Welfare dept official's hands cut off - Shakuntala Attacked For Campaigning Against Child Marriage" which was widely reported in the media on 12 May 2005. As per the report, on Tuesday evening, a man forced entry into the house of Ms. Shakuntala Verma, Superintendent of the Madhya Pradesh Women & Child Welfare Department with a sword in hand and with a violent blow stabbed her. Ms. Shakuntala paid a price for creating awareness among rural masses against child marriages with her arms. She was part of an awareness campaign conducted jointly by the District Administration and the Department of Women and Child Welfare to oppose the practice of child marriage.
The Commission observed that if the contents of the repot are true, it raises serious issues not only of violation of human rights of the victim but also of obstacles being put in the way of officials in doing their duty in accordance with the mandate of law.
The Commission, in an order passed on 12 May 2005, asked the Chief Secretary, Government of Madhya Pradesh to look into the newspaper report and submit comments within two weeks.
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