Subarnapur, Odisha — The Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) has ordered the state government to pay a compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the next of kin of Damburu Adhikari, a Subarnapur man who was murdered on January 26, 2024.

Background

Damburu Adhikari’s elderly parents, who were dependent on him as the sole breadwinner, have struggled to make ends meet since his untimely death. The family, belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC) community, was already marginalized and vulnerable. Damburu operated a tea stall and organised a band party, which were the primary sources of income for his parents.

Sequence of Events

The Subarnapur police had filed a chargesheet against the accused in Damburu’s murder. Despite this, no victim compensation was paid to the next of kin. The OHRC took cognizance of the matter and passed an order on February 8, 2026, recommending the state government to provide a compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the family. The order was passed after considering the facts and circumstances of the case, and the commission was of the view that the family was entitled to compensation.

Community Impact

The OHRC order has brought relief to Damburu’s elderly parents, who were struggling to cope with the financial distress caused by their son’s death. The state government has been directed to pay the compensation within two months, with a compliance report to be submitted to the OHRC. The Subarnapur SP has assured that the home department will take up the matter with the district legal services authority and other concerned authorities to facilitate the payment without delay.

Local Significance

The OHRC order is significant not only for the family of Damburu Adhikari but also for the marginalized community in Subarnapur. It highlights the need for effective implementation of victim compensation schemes, especially in cases where the family is already vulnerable and marginalized. The order sets a precedent for similar cases and emphasizes the importance of upholding the rights of the marginalized sections of society.

What Happens Next

The state government has been directed to pay the compensation within two months, and a compliance report will be submitted to the OHRC. The Subarnapur SP has assured that the necessary steps will be taken to facilitate the payment without delay. The OHRC order has brought relief to Damburu’s family, and it is expected that similar cases will be addressed with the same urgency and sensitivity in the future.