The National Human Rights Commission has directed the Puducherry Government to provide an interim relief of Rs.1 lakh each to four minor girls who were rescued from a child prostitution racket.
The Commission has directed the Government to deposit the amount in the name of the victims. They can withdraw the amount after attaining the age of 18. The families could withdraw the monthly interest accrued for welfare of the victims.
Addressing reporters at the end of a three-day camp sitting here on Thursday, NHRC member and Justice D. Murugesan said the CID police had charge sheeted 18 persons including nine police personnel who had been dismissed for their involvement in the racket. Five of the police personnel have been arrested while four others are absconding. The Commission has also directed the Government to rehabilitate the victims to ensure they lead a dignified life.
In another incident, the Commission has directed the Puducherry Government to provide an interim relief of Rs.1 lakh to the family of Ambiga, an inmate in the Central Prison who committed suicide due to the negligence of the Prison officials. The Government has been directed to file a compliance report.
Mr. Murugesan said the Commission heard over 41 complaints during the camp sitting. The Commission had closed nine cases on receipt of requisite report and comments from the concerned authorities while fresh reports have been called for in respect of 15 cases.
The Commission has also directed the Puducherry Government to pay Rs. 3 lakh as interim relief to the family of Devu Sattibahu who died due to negligence of officials. The Chief Secretary has been asked to submit the compliance report within six weeks.
The Commission has also directed the Cyber Crime police to immediately submit the forensic report of a criminal case of four government school teachers allegedly watching pornography on the school premises and forcing several girl students to watch it.
In cases involving atrocities on persons belonging to Scheduled Castes, the Commission has directed the Puducherry Government to pay relief to the victims in accordance with the provisions of SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. NHRC Joint Registrar A.K. Parashar and Special Rapporteur Shyamsundar were present.
