NCSK seeks ATR from govt on sweeper’s beheading

Bhubaneswar: The National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK) has sought an action taken report from Odisha govt in the broad daylight murder of a safai karamchari here on Jan 8. The safai karamchari was beheaded by miscreants while he was returning home after dropping off his daughter at school. The commission issued this order on Monday after hearing a petition filed by human rights activist and lawyer Radhakanta Tripathy. It has asked additional district magistrate (ADM), Bhubaneswar, to take up the case on priority.
Tripathy, in his petition, stated that the deceased, Sahadeb Nayak, was working as a sanitation supervisor with Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC). He was also recognised as a good samaritan and designated by police as ‘police mitra'. "He was a whistleblower and exposed the nexus of drug trafficking and intoxication of people. The drug mafia and peddlers were apparently involved in the murder of such a courageous and benevolent safai karamchari," said Tripathy in his petition.
The petitioner said Nayak was beheaded on a railway overbridge near Rasulgarh in full public view while the capital city was preparing to welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. "Such a ghastly murder by beheading a police mitra in full public view poses serious questions to human rights," he added. Seeking an investigation by CBI or crime branch of Odisha Police, the petitioner requested the commission to ensure justice for the bereaved family by releasing the service benefits and by paying heavy compensation along with a govt job to the wife of the deceased.
He also requested for safety and security for family members of the deceased and protection of whistleblowers, who dare to act against the wrongdoers. The NCSK, in an unusual move, marked a copy to chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi for necessary action. The copy of the petition has also been forwarded to the twin city police commissioner and BMC commissioner for information and necessary action.