NHRC to visit Kendrapada over alleged assault of Dalit sarpanch

A team from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is scheduled to visit Kendrapada on October 5 to conduct an inquiry into the alleged assault and mistreatment of Chameli Ojha, a 33-year-old Dalit woman serving as the Tikhiri gram panchayat sarpanch.

The investigation follows allegations that Ojha was abused and assaulted by police and the Mahakalapada block development officer (BDO) on June 11. The incident reportedly occurred after Ojha raised concerns regarding corruption and the withholding of payments for developmental works in her panchayat.

While local police previously reported that three FIRs were registered as cross-cases, human rights groups have alleged that Ojha was falsely implicated in charges including attempt to murder and obstruction of a public servant. The NHRC team intends to perform a spot inquiry and interview officials, eyewitnesses, and police personnel involved in the case.