NHRC Orders DIG-Level Probe Into Death Of Pregnant Woman In Odisha’s Rayagada

Bhubaneswar: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has ordered a fresh probe by an officer of the rank of deputy inspector general (DIG) into the death of a nine-month pregnant woman in Odisha’s Rayagada district.

The Commission, in its order issued on Friday, said that a DID rank officer should conduct a fresh probe into the incident and submit a report within two weeks, sources said.
It may be recalled that the woman had died two days after her release from jail custody following childbirth.

As per a complaint filed by Jeypore-based human rights activist and advocate Anup Patro, Sulabati Naik (32) of Paikaikupakhal under Andirakanj police limits had died due to alleged medical negligence during her 15-day jail custody.

Earlier after considering the report submitted by the Rayagada SP, the NHRC had asked him to submit all medical treatment records of Sulabati including the report of the doctor at the time of remand and the postmortem report.

After scrutiny of the health screening and medical documents of the deceased submitted by SP, Rayagada along with the post-mortem report, the Commission said, “Let the case filed be examined by the DIG (I) to rule out any foul play, medical negligence, or commission of offense in the matter. He will submit his findings within two weeks. Put up the matter after two weeks.”

According to the report of Rayagada SP, Sulabati and 12 other women were arrested in connection with a road blockade agitation on December 26, 2022.