Bhubaneswar: The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) has formally requested the Odisha government to provide a comprehensive report within a week regarding the alleged sexual assault of a tribal girl at a government-run hostel located in Koraput district.

This notice was prompted by a complaint from the opposition party, BJD. It was directed to key officials, including the additional chief secretary of the Home department, the principal secretary of the ST and SC Development and Minorities and Backward Classes Welfare Department, and the director general of police on May 9.

The NCST's notice emphasizes the need for these officials to deliver a thorough account of the situation and the actions taken within seven days of receiving the notice. Reports can be submitted via mail, in person, or through other communication methods.

The notice also cautioned that a lack of response within the specified timeframe may lead the commission to invoke its civil court powers under Article 338A of the Constitution, potentially issuing summons for personal or representative appearances.

In April, a minor girl was reportedly raped at the Guneipada ST/SC Girls Hostel in the Lamtaput block of Koraput district.

The BJD expressed deep concern, stating, "It is alarming that despite having a chief minister from the tribal community, incidents of sexual violence and abuse against tribal girls persist without significant intervention. These occurrences are frequently highlighted in the media, yet there seems to be a lack of serious corrective or punitive measures from the state government. Instead, it appears that efforts are being made to protect the offenders rather than deliver justice."

The memorandum further noted that since July 2024, at least 26 students have tragically lost their lives in such state-run educational institutions.