The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Wednesday (August 20, 2025) issued a notice to the Odisha government over the self-immolation of a 19-year-old girl in Kendrapara district amid allegations of police inaction for nearly six months on her complaint about blackmailing by a former male friend.

The victim’s father, who lost his child earlier this month, alleged that her male friend threatened to post her obscene photos and videos on social media. A police complaint was filed by the father about six months ago, but neither a First Information Report was registered nor any action was taken against the alleged perpetrator. Rather, a police officer reportedly discouraged him from pursuing the matter and suggested blocking the phone number of the blackmailer.

Observing that the incident raised serious issues of violation of human rights, the commission issued a notice to the Director General of Police, Odisha, calling for a detailed report within two weeks, including the status of the investigation.

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