2 min readMumbaiMay 31, 2014 03:03 AM IST
First published on: May 31, 2014 at 03:03 AM IST
Acting on a complaint filed by the 19- year-old former telephone operator, who was gangraped in the Shakti Mills compound on July 31 last year, the National Commission for Scheduled Castes on Thursday directed Mumbai Police Commisioner Rakesh Maria and city Collector Shaila A to compensate her within 15 days.
The victim had approached the commission on May 28, complaining against the state for not taking her caste into consideration while handling the case. The victim, who belongs to the Valmiki community, has sought compensation under the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
As per the Act, the victim is entitled to receive a compensation of Rs 1.20 lakh along with other benefits such as support for her education, employment, agricultural land and house.
“We are at present facing immense financial hardship. In light of the horrific offence committed upon me and my adverse financial situation, I request the commission to sanction appropriate financial aid to me in accordance with the beneficial provisions and schemes for Scheduled Castes,” the victim said in her letter.
Speaking to The Indian Express, Rajkumar Verka, vice-chairperson of the NCSC, said, “It is unfortunate that the police did not pay any attention to the fact that the victim was a Dalit. We have asked the commissioner and collector to intervene immediately and ensure she is compensated within two weeks.” The commission has also asked for a compliance report to be filed. “Our commission will monitor her case till she is compensated,” Verka added.
A trial court has convicted four people in the case and has sentenced them to life term. A juvenile is facing trial before the Juvenile Justice Board.
sukanya.shantha@expressindia.com
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