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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:
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Negligence in maintenance of electric infrastructure
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Absence of safety mechanisms on the electric pole
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Failure of authorities to prevent a foreseeable death
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The need for fair investigation and compensation
After examining the complaint, the NHRC passed an order on 8 January 2026, directing that:
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The complaint be forwarded to the Chairman-cum-Managing Director, Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL)
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A detailed Action Taken Report (ATR) be submitted
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The ATR must be translated into English
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The report must be uploaded through the HRCNet Portal
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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:
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Safety audits are rarely conducted
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Accountability is rarely fixed
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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:
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Deaths caused by negligence of public authorities require monetary relief
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Compensation is a constitutional remedy, not charity
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The State cannot escape liability by citing “accidental death”
The family of Rakesh Kumar deserves:
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Immediate interim relief
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Final compensation
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Accountability of erring officials
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Concrete steps to prevent recurrence
What Happens Next?
The responsibility now lies with UPPCL to:
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Conduct a transparent inquiry
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Fix responsibility for negligence
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Recommend and disburse compensation
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Take preventive safety measures in the area
If the ATR is delayed, evasive, or unsatisfactory, the NHRC has the authority to:
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Issue further directions
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Seek personal affidavits from officials
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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.
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 |
| 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: |
| 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 |
| CC to |
Complainant Details Atul Kumar |
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