NHRC takes cognizance of Kendrapara girl’s self-immolation case, seeks report from Odisha DGP

Bhubaneswar, Aug 20 (UNI) The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognisance of a media report on the self-immolation of a 19-year-old girl in Odisha’s Kendrapara district and issued a notice to the State Director General of Police (DGP).

The Commission has sought a detailed report within two weeks, including the current status of the investigation.

According to reports, the girl, a college student in Kendrapara, set herself on fire on August 6 after alleging continuous blackmail by a former male friend who allegedly threatened to post her obscene photos and videos on social media.
Her father claimed that despite filing a complaint with the police nearly six months ago, no FIR was registered and no action was taken against the accused.

Instead, a police officer reportedly advised him to block the blackmailer’s phone number and discouraged further pursuit of the matter.
The Commission observed that the allegations, if true, point to serious violations of human rights.

It directed the Odisha DGP to submit a comprehensive report on the case within two weeks.

Meanwhile, the Odisha government has transferred the officer-in-charge of Pattamundai Rural
Police Station for failing to register an FIR.
The accused, Pramod Behera, the deceased girl’s former friend, has been arrested for circulating her obscene photos on social media.