New Delhi: A 34-year-old Odisha-based woman was gang raped near Sarai Kale Khan on Oct 11, leaving her traumatised. She and her family were stranded with no financial assistance, lack of mental health support and lost documents. Following a report by TOI highlighting the survivor’s struggles, Delhi State Legal Services Authority (DSLSA) intervened, providing necessary support to the survivor.
A complaint was registered with the Delhi Police’s crime branch on Thursday by the legal authority to recover her lost educational documents. Earlier, Abhinav Pandey, secretary (litigation), DSLSA, directed South-East District Legal Services Authority to provide necessary assistance. Subsequently, on Nov 22, South-East District Victim DLSA’s Compensation Committee approved Rs 2.5 lakh as interim relief, which was disbursed by member secretary, DSLSA, Rajeev Bansal, on Dec 11.
Beyond financial support, the authority also appointed psychological counsellors who were sent twice to the hospital, providing critical mental health support. The counselling played an important role in encouraging the survivor to avail herself of compensation and express her desire for gainful employment – an aspect the authority has committed to supporting once she is medically cleared.
Earlier, in conversation with TOI, the survivor’s family expressed her willingness to continue to stay in Delhi, get access to better support, and find employment to sustain herself in the city.
The complaint at the crime branch specifically addresses the survivor’s loss of all educational documents during her ordeal. The legal authority is working to assist her in obtaining duplicate documents from authorities concerned and boards, understanding the critical importance of these documents for her future employment and rehabilitation.
“By providing comprehensive support – financial aid, psychological counselling, and assistance in document recovery – the organisation is helping the survivor navigate her path to recovery with dignity and support,” said a DSLSA member.
