Taking a strong view on a midnight raid led by the then Delhi Law Minister Somnath Bharti in January this year, the National Human Rights Commission has recommended monetary relief of Rs.25,000 each to 12 African women who were victims of the attack in Khirki Extension here. AAP leader Mr. Bharti had accused the foreign nationals of being involved in a drug and prostitution racket.
The NHRC observed that the attack on women on the intervening night of January 15 and 16 was an unlawful act of “racial prejudice” and violated their human rights. It was a fit case for award of monetary relief, said the Commission.
The NHRC has asked the Delhi Chief Secretary to submit the compliance report along with the proof of payment of a total of Rs.3 lakh to the 12 women within eight weeks.
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After considering the reports of retired Additional District & Sessions Judge B.L. Garg and its own investigation team, the Commission observed that Mr. Bharti and his supporters had humiliated the women and wrongfully confined them in a vehicle with an allegation that they were involved in drug trafficking and sex racket.