NHRC takes suo motu cognizance of multiple human rights violations

New Delhi: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India, has taken suo motu cognizance of a series of disturbing incidents reported across several states, involving the deaths and exploitation of children and workers. The Commission has issued notices to concerned authorities, seeking detailed reports within two weeks on each case that raises serious concerns about human rights protection and administrative negligence.

Madhya Pradesh: Children branded by faith ealer in Jhabua

In Jhabua district, three children suffering from pneumonia were reportedly branded with a hot iron rod by a faith healer. One child is said to be in serious condition. Doctors confirmed pneumonia and burn marks on their bodies.

Taking cognizance of the incident, the NHRC issued notices to the District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police, Jhabua, directing them to submit a detailed report within two weeks. The Commission stated that such incidents reflect deep-rooted superstition and a failure to safeguard children’s rights.

Madhya Pradesh: Two children electrocuted at Durga Puja pandal in Jabalpur

In a separate incident, two children, aged eight and ten, died due to electrocution while playing inside a Durga Puja pandal in Jabalpur district. The tragedy occurred when the children came into contact with an iron pipe connected to live wires allegedly installed negligently by the organizers.

The NHRC has issued notices to the Chief Secretary, Government of Madhya Pradesh, and the Superintendent of Police, Jabalpur, seeking a detailed report, including the status of the ongoing investigation. A three-member team led by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) has been formed to probe the matter.

Madhya Pradesh: Sanitation worker dies in Satna sewer mishap

The NHRC has also taken cognizance of a case in Satna district where a sanitation worker died and two others were critically injured after inhaling toxic gases while cleaning an underground sewer line. The victims reportedly fell unconscious inside the sewer before being rescued by locals.

Issuing notices to the Commissioner of the Municipal Corporation and the Superintendent of Police, Satna, the NHRC sought a report on the investigation status and compensation provided to the victims. The Commission noted that despite Supreme Court directives and NHRC advisories to ensure worker safety, such incidents persist due to negligence and lack of protective equipment.

Delhi: Worker’s death at IGI Airport raises safety concerns

In Delhi, the NHRC took suo motu cognizance of reports that a construction worker died after falling from a height of 10 feet at the Indira Gandhi International Airport. It was alleged that attempts were made to suppress the incident by cleaning blood stains from the site.
The Commission issued notices to the Chairman of the Airports Authority of India and the Deputy Commissioner of Police, IGI Airport Unit, demanding a detailed report, including compensation details for the victim’s family. Police have reportedly registered a case for causing death due to negligence.

Jharkhand: Five-year-old dies after beating in school

In Hazaribagh district, Jharkhand, the NHRC took cognizance of a shocking case in which a five-year-old student at a residential school died after allegedly being beaten by a teacher for refusing to eat food. The victim’s brother, also a student, disclosed the details of the assault.

The Commission issued notices to the Chief Secretary, Government of Jharkhand, and the Superintendent of Police, Hazaribagh, calling for a report within two weeks. According to reports, both the teacher and the school manager are absconding.

Commission’s concern over repeated human rights violations

The NHRC observed that all these incidents, if true, highlight systemic failures in ensuring basic human rights, child protection, and labor safety. The Commission emphasized the urgent need for strict accountability and immediate remedial action from state authorities to prevent such occurrences in the future.