Friday, January 16, 2026

Minor Girl Raped in Muzaffarpur: NHRC Seeks Action Report from Bihar Police

This is not just a case file.
This is the story of a 15-year-old child whose right to safety, dignity, and childhood was brutally violated—and of a family now fighting against fear, silence, and systemic delay to seek justice.

We are standing with them.

In a significant step forward, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken cognizance of this grave human rights violation and has called for an Action Taken Report (ATR) from the police authorities in Muzaffarpur, Bihar.

What Happened: A Crime Inside the Home

On 22 June 2025, in Muzaffarpur, Bihar, a minor girl was allegedly raped inside her own home—a place that should have been safe.

According to the complaint:

  • The accused, a relative, entered the house when the child was alone

  • He gagged her, assaulted her, and fled

  • When the victim’s brother arrived, he was also physically attacked

  • The accused escaped, leaving behind a traumatized child and a terrified family

This was not only a crime against a child—it was a betrayal of trust and a stark reminder of how unsafe children remain, even within familiar spaces.

Why We Approached the NHRC

We filed this complaint because:

  • Child sexual violence cases often lose urgency after FIR registration

  • Arrests are delayed

  • Survivors and families face pressure, stigma, and intimidation

  • Justice systems frequently fail the most vulnerable

The intervention of the NHRC ensures that this case will not disappear into silence.

On 8 January 2026, the NHRC directed the Senior Superintendent of Police, Muzaffarpur, to:

  • Submit a detailed Action Taken Report within four weeks

  • Report on investigation progress, medical examination, and efforts to arrest the accused

  • Place the matter for review after the ATR is received

This is a crucial moment of accountability.

This Is a Child Rights and Human Rights Case

Rape of a minor is not just a criminal offence under the POCSO Act, 2012
It is a direct violation of the Constitution of India, including:

  • Article 21 – Right to life with dignity

  • Article 39(f) – Protection of children from exploitation

It is also a violation of India’s obligations under international child rights law.

Justice here must mean more than paperwork:

  • The accused must be arrested without delay

  • The investigation must be child-sensitive and thorough

  • The survivor must receive medical, psychological, and legal support

  • The family must be protected from fear and retaliation

Why We Will Not Step Back

Too often, child rape cases end in:

  • Compromise

  • Delay

  • Weak prosecution

  • Lifelong trauma without closure

We are fighting to ensure this does not happen here.

NHRC monitoring gives strength to the survivor’s family and sends a message to authorities:
You are being watched. You are accountable.

Our Demand Is Clear

  • Arrest the accused

  • Complete investigation swiftly

  • File a strong chargesheet

  • Ensure survivor-centric justice

  • Hold any negligent officials accountable

Justice delayed is justice denied—especially for a child.

We Will Continue to Fight

This fight is not only for one girl in Muzaffarpur.
It is for every child whose voice is silenced by fear.
It is for a system that must learn to protect, not abandon.

We will continue to document.
We will continue to pursue accountability.
And we will not stop until justice is done.

✊ In Solidarity

Justice for children is not optional. It is a constitutional and moral obligation.

From: <nhrc.india@nic.in>
Date: Thu, Jan 8, 2026 at 4:36 PM
Subject: Action Taken Report Called for(ATR) -2643/4/23/2025
To: <sp-muzaffarpur-bih@nic.in>, <pvchr.adv@gmail.com>



NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
MANAV ADHIKAR BHAWAN BLOCK-C, GPO COMPLEX, INA, NEW DELHI- 110023
Fax No.: 011-24651332    Website: www.nhrc.nic.in
(Law Division)
Case No.- 2643/4/23/2025

Date : 08/01/2026  
To,
THE SENIOR SUPERINTENDENT OF POLICE
MUZAFFARPUR BIHAR
842001
Email- sp-muzaffarpur-bih@nic.in

 
Sub : Complaint/ Intimation from

LENIN RAGHUVANSHI
SA 4/2A DAULATPUR, VARANASI
VARANASI , UTTAR PRADESH
221002
Email- pvchr.adv@gmail.com , Mob No- 9935599331

Subject: Action Taken Report Called for(ATR) -2643/4/23/2025.
 
Sir/ Madam,
 
        The complaint/ intimation dated 23/06/2025, was placed before the Commission on 08/01/2026. Upon perusing the same, the Commission directed as follows:
 
         

The complainant alleged that in Muzaffarpur, Bihar, a minor girl was raped at her home on a Friday while alone. Mohd. Mubarak, her relative, allegedly entered, gagged her, and committed the crime before fleeing. Upon the arrival of the victim's brother, the accused assaulted him and then escaped. The victim's family reported the incident to the police, who sent the girl for a medical examination, launched an investigation with a forensic team, and are currently searching for the accused.


Let a copy of complaint be transmitted to the SSP, Muzaffarpur, Bihar calling for an Action Taken Report within four weeks.

Put up after four weeks.
 
2.      Accordingly, I am forwarding herewith a copy of the complaint/ intimation as an attachment for taking appropriate action in the matter as per the directions of the Commission. It is requested that an Action Taken Report be sent to the Commission within 4 weeks from the date of receipt of this letter.
 
3.     Any communication by public authorities in this matter may please be sent to the Commission through the HRCNet Portal (https://hrcnet.nic.in) by using id and password already provided to the public authorities (click Authority Login). Any Audio/ Video CDs/ pen drives etc. may be sent through Speed Post/ per bearer. The reports/ responses sent through email may not be entertained.

Your’s faithfully
Sd/-
Indrajeet Kumar
DEPUTY REGISTRAR (LAW)
M-6 Section
Ph. No. 011-24663276

CC to

Complainant Details
Case No. 2643/4/23/2025
LENIN RAGHUVANSHI
SA 4/2A DAULATPUR, VARANASI
VARANASI , UTTAR PRADESH
221002
Email- pvchr.adv@gmail.com , Mob No- 9935599331

Indrajeet Kumar
DEPUTY REGISTRAR (LAW)
M-6 Section
Ph. No. 011-24663276



 

Death by Electrocution in Aligarh: NHRC Seeks Accountability from Power Authorities

Electrocution deaths caused by unsafe power infrastructure continue to claim lives across India, particularly in rural areas. In a significant step toward accountability, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken cognizance of one such tragic death in Aligarh district, Uttar Pradesh, and has formally sought an Action Taken Report (ATR) from the State power authorities.

The Incident: A Routine Morning Turned Fatal

On 10 June 2025, Rakesh Kumar (40), a resident of Dhurra Todakpur village, Aligarh, was electrocuted after coming into contact with a live tension wire connected to a faulty electric pole. The incident occurred while he was on his way to feed his cattle—an everyday activity in rural life.

Rakesh Kumar died on the spot.

Due to shock, fear, and lack of awareness, the family reportedly performed the last rites without police involvement, a reality that often prevents proper investigation in cases involving poor and marginalized families.

Complaint and NHRC Intervention

A complaint was submitted on 14 June 2025, highlighting:

  • Negligence in maintenance of electric infrastructure

  • Absence of safety mechanisms on the electric pole

  • Failure of authorities to prevent a foreseeable death

  • The need for fair investigation and compensation

After examining the complaint, the NHRC passed an order on 8 January 2026, directing that:

  • The complaint be forwarded to the Chairman-cum-Managing Director, Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL)

  • A detailed Action Taken Report (ATR) be submitted

  • The ATR must be translated into English

  • The report must be uploaded through the HRCNet Portal

  • The entire exercise be completed within four weeks

This intervention clearly recognizes that electrocution deaths due to faulty power infrastructure are human rights issues, not mere accidents.

A Pattern of Negligence

Across Uttar Pradesh and many other states, exposed wires, leaning poles, and poorly maintained power lines are a common sight—especially in villages. Despite repeated incidents:

  • Safety audits are rarely conducted

  • Accountability is rarely fixed

  • Compensation is often delayed or denied

The death of Rakesh Kumar is not an isolated case—it reflects a systemic failure of public authorities to protect the Right to Life under Article 21 of the Constitution of India.

Compensation Is a Legal Obligation

In multiple precedents, the NHRC has held that:

  • Deaths caused by negligence of public authorities require monetary relief

  • Compensation is a constitutional remedy, not charity

  • The State cannot escape liability by citing “accidental death”

The family of Rakesh Kumar deserves:

  • Immediate interim relief

  • Final compensation

  • Accountability of erring officials

  • Concrete steps to prevent recurrence

What Happens Next?

The responsibility now lies with UPPCL to:

  1. Conduct a transparent inquiry

  2. Fix responsibility for negligence

  3. Recommend and disburse compensation

  4. Take preventive safety measures in the area

If the ATR is delayed, evasive, or unsatisfactory, the NHRC has the authority to:

  • Issue further directions

  • Seek personal affidavits from officials

  • Recommend disciplinary and penal action

Beyond One Case

This case raises a larger question:

How many more rural citizens must die before electricity infrastructure is made safe?

When basic services like electricity become a cause of death, it is not governance—it is abandonment.

NHRC’s intervention offers hope, but justice will only be complete when accountability, compensation, and prevention follow.

From: <nhrc.india@nic.in>
Date: Thu, Jan 8, 2026 at 1:20 PM
Subject: Action Taken Report Called for(ATR) -9716/24/3/2025
To: <cmd@upptcl.org>, <pvchr.adv@gmail.com>



NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
MANAV ADHIKAR BHAWAN BLOCK-C, GPO COMPLEX, INA, NEW DELHI- 110023
Fax No.: 011-24651332    Website: www.nhrc.nic.in
(Law Division)
Case No.- 9716/24/3/2025

Date : 08/01/2026  
To,
THE CHAIRMAN - CUM -MANAGING DIRECTOR
ALIGARH UTTAR PRADESH
Email- cmd@upptcl.org

 
Sub : Complaint/ Intimation from

LENIN RAGHUVANSHI
SA 4/2A DAULATPUR, VARANASI
VARANASI , UTTAR PRADESH
221002
Email- pvchr.adv@gmail.com , Mob No- 9935599331

Subject: Action Taken Report Called for(ATR) -9716/24/3/2025.
 
Sir/ Madam,
 
        The complaint/ intimation dated 14/06/2025, was placed before the Commission on 08/01/2026. Upon perusing the same, the Commission directed as follows:
 
         

The Commission received a complaint on 14/06/2025 about death due to electrocution in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh. Upon pursuing the same the Commission directed as follows:

The complainant reports that Rakesh Kumar, a resident of Dhurra Todakpur, was electrocuted on 10 June 2025 after accidentally touching a tension wire of a faulty electric pole while going to feed his cattle. He died on the spot. The family performed last rites without police involvement. The complainant seeks the Commission's intervention for a fair investigation and adequate compensation to the bereaved family.

Let a copy of the complaint be transmitted to the the Chairman-Cum-Managing Director of UPPCL, Uttar Pradesh, through online mode, to ensure the needful action and submit the action taken report duly translated in English to the Commission within four weeks.


 




 
2.      Accordingly, I am forwarding herewith a copy of the complaint/ intimation as an attachment for taking appropriate action in the matter as per the directions of the Commission. It is requested that an Action Taken Report be sent to the Commission within 4 weeks from the date of receipt of this letter.
 
3.     Any communication by public authorities in this matter may please be sent to the Commission through the HRCNet Portal (https://hrcnet.nic.in) by using id and password already provided to the public authorities (click Authority Login). Any Audio/ Video CDs/ pen drives etc. may be sent through Speed Post/ per bearer. The reports/ responses sent through email may not be entertained.

Your’s faithfully
Sd/-
Atul Kumar
ASSISTANT REGISTRAR (LAW)
M-5 Section
Ph. No. 011-24663287

CC to

Complainant Details
Case No. 9716/24/3/2025
LENIN RAGHUVANSHI
SA 4/2A DAULATPUR, VARANASI
VARANASI , UTTAR PRADESH
221002
Email- pvchr.adv@gmail.com , Mob No- 9935599331

Atul Kumar
ASSISTANT REGISTRAR (LAW)
M-5 Section
Ph. No. 011-24663287



 

Justice Delayed Is Justice Denied: NHRC Seeks Action in Varanasi Electrocution Death Case

The death of a common citizen due to administrative negligence is not just an accident—it is a failure of the State’s duty to protect life. In a significant development, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken cognizance of a tragic electrocution death that occurred in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, and has formally sought an Action Taken Report (ATR) from the State Government.

The Incident: A Life Lost While Hoisting the National Flag

On 22 January 2024, a man lost his life after being electrocuted while hoisting a flag at a temple in Varanasi. What should have been an act of devotion and patriotism turned fatal due to the presence of unsafe live electric lines. Despite receiving medical treatment, he succumbed to his injuries on 3 February 2024.

He left behind:

  • A widow

  • Three minor children

  • A family pushed into sudden financial and emotional distress

This was not a natural disaster or an unforeseeable event—it was a preventable tragedy.

NHRC Steps In: Accountability Demanded

A complaint was submitted to the NHRC on 3 June 2025, highlighting the electrocution death and the negligence of electricity authorities. After examining the matter, the Commission passed an order on 8 January 2026, directing:

  • Transmission of the complaint to the Principal Secretary, Department of Energy (Power), Uttar Pradesh

  • Submission of a detailed Action Taken Report within four weeks

  • Consideration of financial compensation of ₹5,00,000 for the victim’s family

  • Submission of the report in English through the official HRCNet Portal

This direction reinforces the principle that electrocution deaths are human rights violations, not mere accidents.

Why This Case Matters

Electrocution deaths due to exposed or poorly maintained power lines are alarmingly common in India, especially in:

  • Temples and religious places

  • Narrow urban lanes

  • Rural and semi-urban areas

Each such death reflects:

  • Administrative negligence

  • Poor safety audits

  • Absence of accountability

When the State fails to maintain basic infrastructure safely, it violates Article 21 of the Constitution of India — the Right to Life.

Compensation Is Not Charity—It Is a Right

The widow in this case has sought compensation of ₹5 lakh, a modest amount considering:

  • Loss of the sole earning member

  • Long-term responsibility of raising three children

  • Emotional trauma caused by State failure

NHRC jurisprudence is clear: ex-gratia compensation is a constitutional remedy, not a favor.

The Road Ahead

The responsibility now lies with the Uttar Pradesh Energy Department to:

  1. Conduct a fair and transparent inquiry

  2. Fix accountability for negligence

  3. Release compensation without delay

  4. Implement preventive safety measures

If the ATR is delayed or evasive, the NHRC has the power to:

  • Issue further directions

  • Recommend disciplinary action

  • Enhance compensation

A Larger Question

How many more lives must be lost before public safety becomes a priority?

This case is not just about one family—it represents thousands of silent victims of infrastructure neglect across India. The NHRC’s intervention offers hope, but justice will only be complete when accountability and compensation are actually delivered.

✍️ Author’s Note

Cases like this underline the importance of vigilance, legal awareness, and human rights advocacy. Citizens must continue to raise their voices—because silence only strengthens negligence.










 

Thursday, January 1, 2026

NHRC Seeks Mandatory Reports in Custodial Death Case of Ram Chandra Maurya (Lakhimpur Kheri, Uttar Pradesh)


 Case No.: 699/24/46/2025-AD

Complainant: Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi, Varanasi
Victim: Ram Chandra Maurya (34/M)
Incident Date: 08 January 2025
Category: Custodial Death (Police)
Authority: National Human Rights Commission

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India, has taken serious cognizance of the alleged custodial death of Ram Chandra Maurya in Lakhimpur Kheri, Uttar Pradesh, following a complaint filed by Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi.

Key Observations by the Commission

  • The NHRC recorded that the victim was allegedly beaten in police custody and died on 08.01.2025.

  • Authorities claimed the deceased was not formally arrested due to ill health and was taken to a Community Health Centre, where he died.

  • Crucial documents, including the Medical Legal Certificate, were reported as unavailable.

  • No CB/CID inquiry has been initiated so far.

  • Despite earlier directions (19.09.2025), mandatory reports remain pending.

NHRC’s Latest Directions (01 January 2026)

The Commission has directed the District Magistrate and the Senior Superintendent of Police, Lakhimpur Kheri, to submit the following within four weeks (by 08 February 2026):

  1. Copy of complaint and FIR registered against the deceased

  2. Seizure Memo and Recovery Memo

  3. All relevant GD (General Diary) extracts

  4. Post-mortem report

  5. Video recording (CD/DVD) of the post-mortem examination

  6. Site plan of the place of occurrence

  7. Chemical and histopathology report of viscera (if applicable)

  8. Final cause of death based on FSL report

  9. Magisterial Enquiry Report under Section 176(1-A) CrPC

  10. Action Taken Report on the Magisterial Enquiry (if applicable)

  11. Status of departmental or criminal proceedings, if any

The NHRC has clearly stated that failure to comply will compel the Commission to invoke coercive powers under Section 13 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, including personal appearance of the concerned authorities.

Significance

This order reaffirms that custodial deaths demand the highest level of scrutiny, transparency, and accountability. The Commission’s insistence on video evidence, magisterial inquiry, and forensic confirmation underscores the non-negotiable obligation of the State to protect the right to life and dignity.

From: <nhrc.india@nic.in>
Date: Thu, Jan 1, 2026 at 4:34 PM
Subject: Additional Information Called for(AIC) -699/24/46/2025-AD
To: <spkhi-up@nic.in>, <dmlkh@nic.in>, <pvchr.adv@gmail.com>
Cc: <cs-uttarpradesh@nic.in>, <csup@nic.in>, <dgp@up.nic.in>



NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
MANAV ADHIKAR BHAWAN BLOCK-C, GPO COMPLEX, INA, NEW DELHI- 110023
Fax No.: 011-24651332    Website: www.nhrc.nic.in
(Law Division)
Case No.- 699/24/46/2025-AD

Date : 01/01/2026  
To,
THE SENIOR SUPERINTENDENT OF POLICE
LAKHIMPUR KHERI UTTAR PRADESH
Email- spkhi-up@nic.in

THE DISTRICT MAGISTRATE
DC Rd, Police Line, Lakhimpur, Uttar Pradesh 262701
LAKHIMPUR KHERI UTTAR PRADESH
Email- dmlkh@nic.in

 
Sub : Complaint/ Intimation from

DR LENIN RAGHUVANSHI
SA 4/2 A DAULATPUR, PANDEYPUR VARANASI, DAULATPUR, VARANASI
VARANASI , UTTAR PRADESH
221002
Email- pvchr.adv@gmail.com , Mob No- 9935599331

 
Subject: Additional Information Called for(AIC) -699/24/46/2025-AD.
 
Sir/ Madam,
 
         I am directed to say that the matter was considered by the Commission on 01/01/2026 and the Commission has directed as follows.:
         

1. These proceedings shall be read in continuation with earlier proceedings of the Commission.

2. The Commission received an complaint/intimation regarding the alleged death of the Ram Chandra Maurya was beaten up and killed by the Police in the custody Lakhimpur Kheri on 08.01.2025.

3. Vide proceedings dated 19.09.2025, the Commission observed and directed as under:

"Pursuant to the directions of the Commission, the Detailed Report has been received. However, the remaining requisite reports have not been receive till date.

Let, the District Magistrate, Lakhimpur Kheri and the Superintendent of Police, Lakhimpur Kheri be directed to submit the remaining requisite reports to the Commission, within four weeks, positively.
"

4. Pursuant to the directions of the Commission, various communications, including inter-departmental communications, have been received. It has been informed that as the health of the deceased was not good, he was not arrested and sent to the Community Health Centre for treatment. It is also informed that as the deceased died in the CHC, Copy of his Medical Legal Certificate is not available. It is further reported that his family members were also informed.  It is reported that no CB/CID enquiry has been initiated in the matter. However, the remaining requisite reports have not been received till date.

5. Let, the District Magistrate, Lakhimpur Kheri and the Superintendent of Police, Lakhimpur Kheri be directed to submit the following remaining requisite reports to the Commission, within four weeks, positively, failing which, the Commission shall be constrained to invoke coercive process, under Section 13 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 for physical appearance of the authorities concerned:
i. Copy of complaint and FIR registered against the deceased
ii. iv. Copy of Seizure Memo and Recovery Memo
iii. Copies of all relevant GD extracts
iv. Post Mortem Report
v. Video Cassette/ CD of post mortem examination
vi. Site Plan of scene of occurrence giving all the details
vii. Chemical & histopathology examination of viscera (if applicable)
viii. Final cause of death based on FSL report
ix. Magisterial Enquiry Report (u/s 176 (1-A) Cr PC as, amended by Act 25 of 2005.

Following reports, if applicable, may also please be sent: -
i. Action Taken Report on the Magisterial Enquiry Report.
ii. Final Outcome/Status of Departmental action or Criminal Proceedings, if any.

 
2.     It is therefore, requested that the additional/ complete report as directed by the Commission in the matter be sent latest by 08/02/2026, for futher consideration by the Commission.
 
3.     Any communication by public authorities in this matter may please be sent to the Commission through the HRCNet Portal (https://hrcnet.nic.in) by using id and password already provided to the public authorities (click Authority Login). Any Audio/ Video CDs/ pen drives etc. may be sent through Speed Post/ per bearer. The reports/ responses sent through email may not be entertained

Your’s faithfully
Sd/-
Brijvir Singh
ASSISTANT REGISTRAR (LAW)
M-4 Section
Ph. No. 011-24663290

CC to
THE CHIEF SECRETARY
GOVERNMENT OF UTTAR PRADESH, 1ST FLOOR, ROOM NO. 110, LALBAHADUR SASTRI BHAWAN, UTTAR PRADESH SECRETARIAT, LUCKNOW-226001
UTTAR PRADESH
Email- cs-uttarpradesh@nic.in,csup@nic.in

THE DIRECTOR GENERAL OF POLICE
POLICE HEADQUARTERS, 1, TILAK MARG, LUCKNOW- 226001, UTTAR PRADESH
UTTAR PRADESH
Email- dgp@up.nic.in


Brijvir Singh
ASSISTANT REGISTRAR (LAW)
M-4 Section
Ph. No. 011-24663290


Friday, December 26, 2025

The Case of Guddu Sonkar and the Continuing Failure of Power Safety Accountability

Death by Electrocution in Mirzapur:

The Case of Guddu Sonkar and the Continuing Failure of Power Safety Accountability

NHRC Diary No.: 4043/IN/2025
NHRC Case/File No.: 2168/24/55/2025
Category: Death Due to Electrocution (1514)
Date of Incident: 22 February 2025
Place: Bankuthpur village, Adalhat Police Station area, Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh
Victim: Guddu Sonkar (30 years)
Caste: Scheduled Caste

Introduction

Deaths caused by unsafe electricity infrastructure continue to claim lives in rural Uttar Pradesh, disproportionately affecting Dalit and economically vulnerable communities. The death of Guddu Sonkar, a 30-year-old Scheduled Caste man from Bankuthpur village in Mirzapur district, is another stark reminder of the systemic negligence surrounding power distribution safety.

Despite the seriousness of the incident, the response of authorities—particularly the Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL)—has been marked by delay, silence, and non-compliance, prompting repeated interventions by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).

Incident Overview

According to the complaint submitted to the NHRC:

  • On 22 February 2025, a high-voltage electric wire snapped and fell near the bypass over-bridge area in Bankuthpur village, Mirzapur.

  • Guddu Sonkar came into contact with the live wire and died due to electrocution.

  • The incident occurred in a public space, indicating a grave failure in maintaining electrical safety infrastructure.

  • The deceased belonged to a Scheduled Caste, raising concerns about structural vulnerability and neglect.

The complainant sought:

  • An independent investigation

  • Accountability of the electricity department

  • Appropriate compensation for the victim’s family

NHRC’s Cognizance and Early Action

The NHRC received the complaint on 28 February 2025 and registered it under Section M-5.

On 14 July 2025, the Commission:

  • Took cognizance of the death

  • Directed the Chairman, UPPCL, Lucknow to:

    • Examine the matter

    • Take necessary action

    • Submit an Action Taken Report (ATR) within four weeks

Continued Non-Compliance by UPPCL

Despite clear directions from the NHRC:

  • No Action Taken Report was submitted by UPPCL

  • The Commission issued a reminder on 27 August 2025

  • Still, no response was received

This compelled the NHRC, on 22 December 2025, to issue a final reminder, warning that:

Failure to submit the report would force the Commission to invoke its coercive powers under Section 13 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.

A deadline was fixed for 15 January 2026.

Key Human Rights Concerns

1. Right to Life (Article 21)

Death due to exposed or fallen high-voltage wires is a direct violation of the right to life, especially when it occurs in public areas.

2. State’s Duty of Care

Electricity distribution agencies have a non-delegable duty to:

  • Maintain safe infrastructure

  • Prevent foreseeable harm

  • Act immediately after fatal incidents

3. Caste and Structural Vulnerability

The victim belonged to a Scheduled Caste, reflecting a pattern where:

  • Marginalized communities live near unsafe infrastructure

  • Preventive maintenance is weakest

  • Accountability is slowest

4. Administrative Apathy

Repeated silence by UPPCL despite NHRC notices reflects:

  • Institutional disregard for human life

  • Weak compliance culture with human rights bodies

  • A normalization of electrocution deaths as “routine accidents”

A Pattern, Not an Isolated Incident

This case mirrors several earlier electrocution deaths across Uttar Pradesh where:

  • Authorities respond only after fatalities

  • Infrastructure is “corrected” post-death

  • Compensation replaces accountability

  • Criminal or departmental liability is rarely fixed

The delay in responding to NHRC itself becomes a secondary violation—undermining the credibility of oversight mechanisms.

Conclusion

Guddu Sonkar’s death was not inevitable.
It was preventable.

A fallen high-voltage wire in a public space represents state failure, not fate. The continued non-response of UPPCL to NHRC directions deepens the injustice and reflects how Dalit lives remain expendable in infrastructural governance.

Justice in such cases must mean:

  • Transparent investigation

  • Departmental and criminal accountability

  • Timely and adequate compensation

  • Structural reforms in power safety

Until then, electrocution deaths will continue to be recorded—not prevented.

This blog is based entirely on NHRC records and official correspondence in Case No. 2168/24/55/2025.


 

Burnt Alive Under a Live Wire


 

Burnt Alive Under a Live Wire

The Death of Truck Driver Abdul Kalam in Jaunpur and the Limits of Accountability

NHRC Case No.: 4522/24/39/2024
NHRC Diary No.: 2027/IN/2024
Category: Death Due to Electrocution (1514)
Date of Incident: 24 December 2023
Place: Village Kuravan / Nurawa, Sujan Ganj, Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh
Victim: Abdul Kalam (also referred to as Kalam Murghi), approx. 30 years

Introduction

On the morning of 24 December 2023, a truck driver transporting goods through rural Jaunpur was burnt alive inside his vehicle. His truck came in contact with a live high-tension electricity wire, triggering a fire so intense that escape became impossible.

The incident, widely reported in the media, raised serious questions about public safety, electricity infrastructure, employer responsibility, and state accountability. A complaint was submitted to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) seeking an impartial investigation and justice for the deceased worker’s family.

Nearly 19 months later, the NHRC closed the case, concluding that no negligence could be attributed to the Electricity Department.

This blog examines what happened—and what remains unresolved.

What Happened on 24 December 2023

According to the NHRC-recorded facts:

  • Time of incident: 10:55 AM

  • Location: Village Nurawa, Block Sujan Ganj, Tehsil Machhlishahr, Jaunpur

  • Vehicle: Truck owned by Star Road Lines, Prayagraj

  • Driver: Abdul Kalam, resident of Varanasi district

While passing through a chak road, a metal structure on top of the truck became entangled with a live electricity wire. As the truck moved forward:

  • The wire snapped and fell on the truck

  • The entire vehicle became electrically charged

  • The driver was unable to exit

  • The truck caught fire

  • Abdul Kalam died on the spot due to electrocution and burns

Police later conducted inquest and post-mortem proceedings.

The NHRC Complaint

Human rights activist Lenin Raghuvanshi filed a complaint before the NHRC on 6 February 2024, citing:

  • Media reports of the driver being burnt alive

  • Alleged low-hanging HT wire

  • The need for an independent investigation

  • Justice and compensation for the victim’s family

The NHRC took cognizance and sought reports from:

  • UP Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL)

  • Directorate of Electrical Safety

  • Energy Department, Government of Uttar Pradesh

  • Superintendent of Police, Jaunpur

  • Labour Department

Findings of the Authorities

Based on multiple reports, the NHRC recorded the following conclusions:

1. Electricity Department

  • The live wire was found to be erected as per prescribed standards

  • No specific measurement details were provided in the report

  • After the incident, the wire height was increased to 6.5 metres

  • The Electrical Safety Directorate concluded:

    “There was no negligence on part of the DISCOM”

2. Cause Attributed

The fatal accident was attributed to:

  • Over-height truck

  • Violation of Indian Electricity Rules, 1956

  • Alleged careless driving

  • Responsibility placed on the truck owner, not the state

3. Police

  • Inquest and post-mortem were conducted

  • No criminal negligence attributed to public authorities

4. Labour Department

  • Employer paid ₹1,00,000 to the victim’s wife

  • Family advised to approach Labour Court under the Employees’ Compensation Act

NHRC’s Final Decision (14 July 2025)

After reviewing all reports, the NHRC concluded:

“Further action is not required.”

The case was formally closed, and the complainant was informed accordingly.

Critical Questions That Remain

While the case is closed on paper, serious human rights concerns persist:

  1. Why was a live HT wire passing through a public road area accessible to heavy vehicles?

  2. Why were wire-height standards not transparently disclosed in the inquiry?

  3. If standards were met, why was the wire height increased after the death?

  4. Can a daily-wage driver realistically be blamed for infrastructure hazards beyond his control?

  5. Is ₹1 lakh compensation adequate for a worker burnt alive while on duty?

The inquiry framework focused narrowly on technical compliance, not on the state’s duty of care toward workers and road users.

Beyond Legal Closure: The Human Rights Lens

This case reflects a broader pattern:

  • Workers in informal sectors bear the deadliest risks

  • Infrastructure failures are often reframed as individual fault

  • Accountability shifts away from public authorities

  • Compensation becomes a substitute for justice

A death by electrocution in a public space is not merely an “accident”—it is a preventable loss demanding systemic scrutiny.Conclusion

Abdul Kalam did not die because he was careless.
He died because dangerous infrastructure met vulnerable labour.

When institutions declare “no negligence” after a man is burnt alive under a live wire, it exposes the limits of accountability in cases involving the poor and working class.

Justice should not end with a closure order.
It should begin with safe infrastructure, fair compensation, and real responsibility.

This blog is based entirely on official NHRC records, inquiry reports, and correspondence in Case No. 4522/24/39/2024.