The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought an Action-Taken Report (ATR) from the district Collector and the SP of Puri and the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Cuttack on the suspicious death of Rajashree Swain, a young woman cricketer from Puri district, who earlier played at national level.

Seeking intervention of the apex rights panel, Supreme Court lawyer and activist Radhakanta Tripathy contended that the victim’s family has been denied the benefits of welfare schemes of the State and her subsequent death is shrouded in mystery.

Tripathy further pointed out that the sequence of events from the deprivation of house and toilets under the welfare schemes, indebtedness of the family, earlier selection of the deceased at national level and her death in a reserve forest far away from the selection venue raise serious questions of human rights.

Notably, Rajashree went missing on January 10 and her body was found hanging in a forest near Gurudijhatia police limits under Cuttack Rural police. The family members of the victim had held authorities of Odisha Cricket Association as responsible for her death as the victim was not selected. It is further alleged that the family of the victim is leading a miserable life due to apathetical approach of the authorities.

Tripathy requested the NHRC to ensure independent and impartial  investigation of the case and ensure benefits of the welfare schemes to the bereaved family with heavy compensation.

The NHRC sought replies from the authorities within four weeks.