The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognisance of the death of a 19-year-old college student in Kendrapara district, Odisha, who reportedly died by self-immolation on August 6, 2025.
The girl had allegedly been blackmailed for months by a former male friend threatening to release obscene photos and videos of her online.
Despite her father filing a complaint with the local police six months earlier, no FIR was registered. Instead, a police officer allegedly advised him to block the blackmailer’s number, dismissing the gravity of the situation.
The NHRC, citing serious concerns over human rights violations, has issued a notice to the Director General of Police, Odisha, demanding a detailed report within two weeks, including the status of the investigation.
