NHRC issues notice to Uttar Pradesh over woman's death

The NHRC has issued notice to the Uttar Pradesh government after two policemen allegedly set ablaze a woman for resisting rape, a statement said on Tuesday.

Taking suo motu cognizance of media reports that two policemen poured petrol over the woman and set her on fire at Kothi police station in Barabanki district on July 6, 2015, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has asked the state's chief secretary and director general of police to submit a report within four weeks.

"At a time when extra efforts are being made by the nation to minimise crime against women, the contents of news reports are indeed very disturbing. It appears to be an admitted violation of the human rights of the victim by the public servants," the NHRC said.

The 40-year-old woman had gone to the police station to inquire about her husband who was detained by police. Suffering major burns, she died of her injuries.

The two policemen have been suspended.