NHRC Issues Notices Over Dog Bite 1 Death in Haryana, School van Accident in Rajasthan

New Delhi: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of two separate incidents reported in the media—one involving the alleged death of a man due to lack of timely medical care following a dog bite in Sonipat, and another concerning serious injuries to two students after a ceiling fan fell in a school in Barmer—raising concerns over possible violations of human rights.

Dog bite death raises questions on healthcare access

The NHRC has issued notices to the health authorities in Haryana following reports that a 44-year-old sanitation worker died after being bitten by a stray dog and allegedly not receiving timely treatment.

According to reports, the victim was bitten on February 15 while on duty. Due to the unavailability of anti-rabies vaccine and serum at the local civil hospital, he was referred to a hospital in Narela. After initial treatment and discharge, his condition deteriorated, and despite being taken to multiple hospitals—including a private facility and later Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences—he eventually succumbed.

Family members have alleged medical negligence and failure of municipal authorities to control the rising stray dog population, which they claim led to the tragic incident.

NHRC seeks accountability from authorities

Taking the matter seriously, the Commission has issued notices to:

Directorate of General Health Services, Haryana
Commissioner, Sonipat Municipal Corporation

The NHRC has sought a detailed report within two weeks, including:

Steps taken to prevent such incidents
Availability of essential medical supplies
Compensation, if any, to the victim’s family

School negligence in Rajasthan: Students injured

In a separate case, the NHRC has also taken cognizance of an incident in Barmer district, where two students were seriously injured after a ceiling fan fell on them in a government school on March 16.

Preliminary reports suggest that the accident occurred due to the breaking of the hook holding the fan, raising concerns about infrastructure safety and maintenance in schools.

Notice to district authorities in Barmer

The Commission has issued notices to:

District Magistrate, Barmer
Superintendent of Police, Barmer

Authorities have been directed to submit a report within two weeks detailing:

The health condition of the injured students
Action taken against those responsible
Measures to prevent recurrence of such incidents

Human rights concerns highlighted

The NHRC observed that if the reported facts are accurate, both incidents reflect serious lapses in governance and public service delivery, potentially amounting to violations of the victims’ fundamental rights.

Call for systemic reforms

These incidents underscore the urgent need for:

Strengthening public healthcare infrastructure
Ensuring availability of life-saving medicines
Improving urban civic management
Enhancing safety standards in educational institutions

The Commission’s intervention signals a push toward accountability and preventive action to safeguard citizens’ rights and well-being.