Bihar Human Rights Commission summons Katihar DM

PATNA: Bihar Human Rights Commission (BHRC) has summoned DM, Katihar, in the case of a Class VII student of Kasturba Gandhi Kanya Vidyalaya, Katihar, Pooja Kumari, who was externed from the school because her father allegedly did not pay Rs 3,000 bribe to the school headmaster and teacher for enrolment of his second daughter, Arti Kumari, in Class V.
Shankar Sah of village Chakman under Mansahi police station in Katihar district brought the matter to the state human rights commission. Sah, in his complaint to the commission, said not only his elder daughter Pooja was externed from the school but the uniform provided to her by the state government was also taken away. The headmaster and teacher even withdrew money from Pooja’s account and misappropriated it, Sah alleged.
Sah alleged that Pooja was externed from the school without giving any reason. She was not given even the school leaving certificate (SLC). The teacher concerned has been harassing Pooja’s mother by calling her at different places, Sah told the commission. Member, BHRC, Neelmani said, “The commission, in view of the gravity of the allegations, directed DM, Katihar, on February 16 this year to get the allegations inquired into by an officer not below the rank of subdivisional magistrate and send the report to the commission within four weeks. However, the DM did not respond.”
Neelmani said the DM was sent reminders four times thereafter in April, May, July and September but in vain. In the last reminder on September 9, the commission directed the DM that if he failed to send the report by September 30, the commission would direct him for personal appearance. Neelmani said as communications from the commission failed to evoke any response from the DM side, he has been directed to appear before the commission on November 16. However, if the DM concerned sends the report by November 14, personal appearance of the DM would not be necessary.
The commission directed DM,on February 16 this year to get the allegations inquired into by an officer not below the rank of subdivisional magistrate and send the report within four weeks. However, the DM did not respond.