Ranchi, August 17: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has decided to probe into the apprehension of threat to life of a tribal lady Sushma Baraik, who was allegedly sexually exploited by then inspector general (IG) of Ranchi zone PS Natrajan.

In a letter to the NHRC, Baraik, who had got Natrajan videotaped with her in compromising position, alleged that she was being falsely implicated by the police at the behest of the suspended IG.

Citing a confessional statement of one Raghu, an armed cadre of the CPI (Maoist) arrested by the Palamu police, Baraik said an attempt had been made to link her with the arrested Maoist. Human rights activists said that it would be an easiest way to make her suffer as her husband was associated with the Maoists’ activities.

In a communiqué to the state police headquarter, NHRC said that it would depute a fact-finding team to make on-the-spot inquiry on the complaint in this connection filed by the tribal lady.  “She alleged that she apprehends imminent threat to her life at the instance of the suspended zonal IG,” the letter said.

A section of the state police officials, however, termed the threat apprehension of Baraik as a publicity ploy. “She has already been given police protection as per the instruction of the National Commission of Women. In fact, the police personnel, who are deputed to protect her, have alleged been torture by the lady,” said a deputy inspector general rank officer on the condition of anonymity.

Baraik hogged the limelight five years ago when she accused two senior police officers Natrajan and Parwez Hayat (now additional director general) of exploiting her sexually. While she failed to establish the case against Hayat, Natrajan was caught on tape. A case is pending for trial against the suspended IG, who has been declared absconder.