NHRC’s intervention leads to arrest of rape accused and monitory compensation to kin of victim

The National Human Rights Commission, on 9 May 2001, had received a complaint from one Ms. Dojo of Dholpur, Rajasthan alleging that certain persons had taken obscene photographs of her niece, blackmailed the girl and had repeatedly raped her for over a year. A case had been registered with the police but the rape accused was not arrested. Subsequently the father of the victim was also murdered and another case registered. Further, the rape accused had started threatening the victim and her family for having approached the police.

The Commission sought and obtained a report from the Dholpur police, which admitted that the rape accused had not been arrested.

Not satisfied with the police report, the Commission on 20 February 2002 directed its Director General (Investigation) to ascertain from the Director General of Police, Rajasthan, the present position of the case. It also directed a team of officers from the Commission’s Investigation Division to visit Rajasthan and investigate the matter. The report of the investigation corroborated the facts alleged by the complainant. The report also substantiated inaction on part of the police.

In response to the DG (I)’s letter to the DGP, IGP (Human Rights), Jaipur reported to the Commission that efforts were being made to arrest the accused as early as possible. Security of the victim and her family members was being ensured and the District Authorities were considering providing financial relief to the victim.

The Commission decided to monitor the progress of this case. In a recent communication, IGP (CID), Rajasthan reported to the Commission that the accused had finally been arrested on 4 August 2002. A compensation of Rs. 10,000 has been given to the mother of the victim and further a pension has also been awarded to her.

The Commission was pleased to note the compliance by the Rajasthan Government.