Barabati fiasco: NHRC directs Odisha police to initiate action

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Cuttack, Dec 16:

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has directed Odisha police to take appropriate action over security lapse during T20 match between India and South Africa at Barabati stadium here.

Acting on the Complaint filed by rights activist Akhand, the rights panel has ordered Twin City Commissioner of Police to take action within eight weeks in the matter.

Due to security lapse, people threw water bottles and disrupted the match for several minutes at Barabati stadium on 5 October.

Police said that they had asked the Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) not to allow water bottles into the stadium as Barabati had witnessed similar incident in the past. But, OCA opened a stall inside the stadium and sold water bottles.

“The crowd went angry over India’s dismal performance. Police should have controlled the crowd when one or two persons started throwing water bottles. Police had reacted late,” alleged Akhnad in his petition.

It was not the first such incidednt at Barabati. In the past too, water pouches were hurled into the ground forcing the police and OCA to raise the height of the protective nets.

“It should be probed that under what circumstances the spectators were allowed to carry water bottles inside the stadium. Action must be taken against the person behind approved such decision. No case should be registered against innocent people,” the petitioner appealed.

Hearing the petition, the Commission has directed to “take appropriate action within eight weeks and to inform the complainant of the action taken in the matter.”