Ensure rape victim's family not harassed, humiliated: NHRC to UP

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Tuesday asked the Uttar Pradesh government to ensure that the family of a man, who died in police custody after he accused a BJP MLA of raping his daughter, is not harassed and humiliated by opponents who are "resourceful" persons.

Taking suo motu cognizance of media reports about the "mysterious" death of the father of a rape victim, the NHRC also found fault with the Uttar Pradesh Police for not informing it about custodial death, which is mandatory as per rules and regulation, and asked the director general of police (DGP) to explain why it was not done.

The NHRC sought a report from the state chief secretary and the DGP, including action taken against the delinquent police officers, who refused to register an FIR after the girl approached authorities.

The incident came to the limelight after the girl attempted to immolate herself near Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's residence last Sunday, saying that police was not taking action against BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar and his aides whom she accused of raping her.

Her father Devender was arrested and died later while in custody with doctors finding 19 injury marks on his body.

In a statement, the NHRC said the victim claimed that it is only the MLA who has got her father killed since she was not willing to withdraw the case against him.

"The commission has also directed the chief secretary to look into the matter personally and ensure that the aggrieved family is not subjected to further harassment and humiliation by the opponents who appear to be resourceful persons of the locality. He is also directed to monitor and expedite the magisterial inquiry which is underway," the statement said.