Published 22:02 IST, September 16th 2019
NCW issues notice to Bihar DGP over Muzaffarpur rape survivor case
The NCW has taken suo-moto cognizance over the alleged gang-rape of Muzaffarpur shelter home survivor by issuing a notice to Bihar Director General of Police
In yet another development in the alleged rape case of Muzaffarpur shelter home survivor, the National Commission for Women (NCW) on Monday has taken suo-moto cognizance over the matter. The NCW has also issued a notice to the Bihar Director General of Police (DGP) asking them to treat the case on priority.
NCW's statement
"The Commission had taken suo-motu cognizance of this matter and formed an enquiry committee to investigate the case. The Commission has issued a notice to DGP Bihar and asked him to treat this case on priority and hold speedy investigation followed by the arrest of all accused," the Commission said in a press note.
The NCW chairperson Rekha Sharma said that a committee headed by her would travel to Bihar later this week on September 19-20 to meet the victim, the director-general of police, and possibly Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar also.
NHRC slams Bihar government
The National Human Rights Council (NHRC) has now questioned the Bihar government led by Nitish Kumar on the law and order situation. Earlier on September 16, the Bettiah SP informed that investigation in the case is going on and FIR has been lodged. While Tejashwi Yadav-led RJD also questioned the Nitish Kumar government's law and order, National Commission for Women formed a committee to look into the matter.
What is the case?
The 26-year-old woman on September 15 alleged that four men abducted and gang-raped her. After being admitted to the local hospital in West Champaran district of Bihar, she recorded her statement adding that the alleged rapists also threatened her. Notably, the survivor was staying in Muzaffarpur Shelter Home right before the scandal broke in 2018. She had left her home last year in June and taken shelter in Muzaffarpur shelter home. However, after the scandal, she sought refuge in the Mokama shelter home for a short while. After that, her family members brought her back home in Bettiah town. She added that the Bihar government at that time had provided her compensation of Rs. 7 lakhs.
Muzaffarpur Shelter Home case
Earlier in 2018, the massive shelter home scandal broke. Several girls were allegedly raped and sexually abused at an NGO-run shelter home in Bihar's Muzaffarpur district. The issue had come to light following a report by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS). The probe into the case was transferred to the CBI and the agency has charge-sheeted 21 people, including Thakur. In its affidavit filed in the top court earlier, the CBI has stated that from the statement of victims recorded during the probe, names of 11 girls have emerged, who were said to be allegedly murdered by Thakur and his accomplices.
(With ANI inputs)
Updated 23:20 IST, September 16th 2019