Kendrapara, Apr 26 (Reporter) The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Friday directed the District Magistrate and SP of Kendrapara to submit a report on the compensation to be paid to a rape victim, along with proof of payment, within four weeks. Both the DM and SP of Kendrapara have also been instructed to provide additional or complete reports on the matter by June 3 before the Commission. Acting on a petition filed by Rights activist Sagar Jena of Kendrapara, the NHRC issued the order. Jena alleged in his petition that a woman was raped by an accused who not only recorded the act but also blackmailed the victim for money. The incident occurred in November 2021 when the accused arranged a fest near the victim’s neighborhood. During the event, he spiked her food, causing her to become unconscious, after which he raped her and recorded the act. Subsequently, the accused started blackmailing the victim, extorting Rs 1.5 lakh from her and threatening further assault. The victim complained about the accused on January 5, 2022. Considering the seriousness of the matter and the gross violation of human rights, Jena requested the Commission's intervention. The Commission sought an action taken report from officials on September 22, 2022. Since no report was received, reminders were sent on February 10, 2023, and again on March 16, 2023, to the concerned authorities. In response, the SP of Kendrapara stated that a case had been registered under Section 323, 506, 376(D), 307, and 34 IPC against four accused persons. One accused was arrested on August 30, 2022, and forwarded to custody. The DSP, Kendrapara, supervised the case and concluded it as true under Section 341, 323, 506, 376(D), 307, and IPC. The SP submitted a report in August 2023, stating that the investigation was pending for the apprehension of another accused, with due action promised during the investigation. A letter was sent to the District Legal Service Authority, Kendrapara, requesting financial assistance for the victim. Despite considerable time having passed, the district authorities had not submitted a conclusive report regarding the payment of monetary compensation to the victim. The investigation of the case was stated to be pending, but no subsequent report had been submitted on the outcome. On January 16, the Commission directed the DM and SP of Kendrapara to submit a supplementary report on the compensation to be paid to the victim and the outcome of the investigation within four weeks. The commission noted that the police report was silent on the compensation to the victim. As per the NALSA scheme, a rape victim is entitled to compensation ranging from Rs 4 lakhs (minimum) to Rs 7 lakhs (maximum), the Commission stated in its order, directing the District Magistrate and SP of Kendrapara to submit a report on compensation along with proof of payment within four weeks...////...