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.
