Give security to Pipili victim's family: NCW to Odisha

The National Commission for Women (NCW) on Friday asked the Odisha government to provide adequate security to family members of slain Dalit rape victim of Pipili as they faced threat to their lives.

"I have suggested both the director general of police and state chief secretary to give protection to Pipili victim's family. The father and brother of the deceased girl are unable to return to their village due to threat perception," NCW member Chiruwalli Khanna told reporters after meeting senior state government officials.

Khanna, who met mother of the deceased girl at Arjungada village under Pipili police station on Thursday night, said the family has been living under threat. Though the mother lives in the village, her father and brother are still staying in Bhubaneswar due to fear factor, she said.

The NCW member met victim's father, Babuli Behera at Ghatikia village near Khandagiri on Friday morning before asking the state government to give security to the victim's family.

"The victim's family is receiving continuous threats from some influential political people in Pipili area and fearing to visit the village," she said. However, she refused to reveal names of the political persons who were allegedly issuing threats to the slain Dalit girl's father and brother.

The 19-year-old Dalit girl of Pipili had in July after remaining semi-comatose for over six months. The girl was allegedly raped and attempt was made on her life. She later succumbed.

Khanna said the victim's father had told her that about Rs8 lakh had been withdrawn from his bank account during last three months. The family was confused over the withdrawal of huge amount of money from their bank account. When the NCW probed the matter, it led to the resignation of a minister from the Naveen Patnaik government last year.

Meanwhile, the crime branch of police has arrested all four persons allegedly involved in the rape and murder of the girl, apart from filing a chargesheet against eight, including doctors who allegedly neglected proper treatment to her, finally leading to her death.

Khanna also asked the Odisha police to provide light engagement to the woman cop who was subjected to physical assault and molestation at the Congress rally here on September 6. "We have also sought immediate arrest of the culprits involved in the lady constable case," she said.