NHRC notice to Kerala over Dalit student's rape, murder

The National Human Rights Commission on Tuesday issued a notice to the Kerala government over the alleged rape and murder of a Dalit law student.

Taking suo motu cognizance of the sordid episode, the commission said: "The crime is so spine-chilling and gruesome that words fall short and expressing anguish and shock appear meaningless and mere ritualistic."

"The commission has issued notices to the chief secretary, director general of police as well as the superintendent of police of Ernakulam Rural at Aluva. They have been asked to submit a detailed report and action taken report in the matter within two weeks," a commission statement said.

The commission said it was a matter of utmost concern that women's security is facing a grave threat in spite of several measures taken in recent times, including amendments to the Indian Penal Code, the Criminal Procedure Code and the Evidence Act.

The 27-year-old law student was found murdered on April 28 at her home near a canal in Perumbavoor in Ernakulam district by her mother, a labourer.

Her body was badly mutilated. There were injuries on her private parts, according to police.

--IANS

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