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NHRC finds at least 16 women prima facie victims of rape by security forces in Chhattisgarh
The National Human Rights Commission made an observation in January that 16 women were prima facie victims of rape, sexual and physical assault by State police personnel. The alleged atrocities were brought to light by a fact-finding team of a group called the Women Against Sexual Violence and State Repression (WSS). The NHRC passed interim directions asking Chhattisgarh government to show cause why it should not recommend monetary relief of 37 lakh rupees for the victims and also directed the relevant authorities to record the statements of the remaining victims who had yet to depose. Following the findings, journalists struggled to get news from the very dangerous Bijapur area, while the group WSS alleged that women were under pressure to remain silent and asked the government to ensure the security of the victims and villagers.