NHRC issues notices to UP Government over reports of women being set ablaze by policemen

The National Human Rights Commission has issued notices to the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police of Government of Uttar Pradesh in the wake of it taking suo motu cognizance of media reports that two policemen poured petrol and set woman afire when she resisted their attempt to rape her at Kothi Police Station, District Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh on the 6th July, 2015. They have been given four weeks to come with a reply.

The Commission has observed that a time when extra efforts are being made by the nation as a whole to minimize the crime against women, the contents of news reports are indeed very disturbing and amount to 'protectors turning to predators'. It appears to be an admitted violation of the human rights of the victim by the public servants.

Reportedly, the 40 year old woman had gone to the Police Station to inquire about her husband who was detained by the police. Reportedly, an FIR was registered against the two policemen and they had been placed under suspension.