The Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) has directed the Nabarangpur district administration to make arrangements for protection of an 11-year-old school girl in Nabarangpur district where the girl became pregnant after being raped by her neighbour.
Taking suo motu cognisance of the news report, the OHRC asked the Nabarangpur District Collector to explore financial assistance that could be provided to the minor girl as she was seven-month pregnant.
The accused had once waylaid the girl who was on her way to tuition class and allegedly raped her. Since then he had been repeatedly raping the girl. Only recently, her pregnancy came to the light and subsequently the accused was arrested.
The OHRC Acting Chairperson Justice B. K. Mishra said since the girl was seven month pregnant, it was risky for her to undergo an abortion.
The Chief District Medical Officer has been ordered to go to the girl’s home to make periodical assessment on her health and constitute a medical board, if necessary, for providing focussed treatment.
The District Collector was further directed to give psychological counselling to the girl and her parents to overcome the trauma.
Moreover, efforts should be made to incorporate the girl in an educational programme in addition to vocational training, directed Justice Mishra saying protection of the family must be given utmost priority.
The Nabarangpur Superintendent of Police has been asked to submit status of investigation into the crime.
