NHRC notice to the Government of Uttar Pradesh over reported self-immolation by a mother –daughter duo in Lucknow alleging inaction on their complaint of sexual harassment (24.07.2020)

New Delhi: 24th July, 2020

The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, India has issued to notices to the Chief Secretary and DGP, Uttar Pradesh after taking sou moto cognizance of media reports that due to the alleged in action by the authorities on their complaint of sexual harassment, a mother-daughter duo from Amethi attempted self-immolation in front of the Lok Bhawan in Lucknow on 17.07.2020. Reportedly, the mother with 90% burn injuries died and the daughter with 15% burns is undergoing treatment in the civil hospital.

The Commission has given four weeks times for the response calling for a detailed report in the matter including action taken against the guilty and the action taken on the complaint reportedly lodged by the victims alleging sexual harassment by someone residing in their neighbourhood. The report must include the status of the medical treatment being provided to the injured woman, her health conditions and any relief given by the authorities to the injured and the aggrieved family.

Issuing the notices, the Commission has observed that the recourse taken by the victims cannot be justified but it indicates towards the reckless attitude of the authorities, who seemingly failed to take a timely action on the complaint lodged by the victims leveling serious allegations of sexual harassment against one of their neighbourers. This is a serious issue of violation of human rights. Had a timely action been initiated, the women may not have been forced to take such an extreme steps.

According to media reports, the family members of the victims have also alleged ill treatment by police personnel and the doctors at the Civil Hospital, when the son of the deceased woman visited her in the hospital. Reportedly, four persons including Amethi District AIMIM president and a local congress party leader have been arrested by the police. It is also reported that the police or the local intelligence unit had no information that the women were going to Lucknow.

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