Death Due to Electrocution Under Revamp Electrification Scheme: NHRC Seeks Action Taken Report

A tragic case of alleged negligence leading to the death of a young labourer has drawn the attention of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), which has now formally sought an Action Taken Report (ATR) from the concerned power department.

Background of the Case

On 6 June 2025, Rohtash (23), a daily-wage labourer, allegedly lost his life due to electrocution while working on a high-tension electricity line under the Revamp Electrification Scheme. The incident occurred in Lalpur Titri village, under Sambhal (Bhim Nagar) district, during electrification work being executed through a contractor.

According to the complaint, the accident took place due to a serious shutdown lapse, where power supply remained live despite ongoing work on the line. Rohtash reportedly came into contact with the high-tension wire and died on the spot.

Public Protest and Allegations

Following the incident, local villagers protested, alleging:

• Gross negligence by the contractor

• Absence of proper safety measures

• Failure to ensure complete shutdown during high-risk work

• Delay and opacity in official response

The protest reportedly disrupted power supply in several nearby villages, highlighting public anger and fear over unsafe electrification practices.

Complaint Before NHRC

The matter was formally taken up by Lenin Raghuvanshi, a human rights activist and advocate, who submitted a detailed complaint to the NHRC on 16 June 2025, citing violation of the victim’s right to life and safety at work.

The complaint emphasized that:

• The victim was engaged in hazardous work without adequate safeguards

• The electrification work was being conducted in a negligent manner

• Accountability of contractors and supervising authorities was absent

NHRC’s Direction

After examining the complaint, the NHRC, on 22 January 2026, directed that:

• A copy of the complaint be forwarded to the Secretary (Power) of the concerned state

• The authority must conduct an inquiry and submit a detailed Action Taken Report

• The ATR must be translated into English and submitted within four weeks through the HRCNet portal

The Commission acknowledged that the allegations, if true, raise serious concerns regarding labour safety, administrative oversight, and human rights violations.

Why This Case Matters

Deaths due to electrocution during government-backed electrification projects are not isolated incidents. This case highlights systemic issues such as:

• Unsafe outsourcing of hazardous work

• Lack of monitoring of contractors

• Weak enforcement of safety protocols

• Delayed accountability after loss of life

For families dependent on daily-wage earners, such incidents result in irreversible loss and long-term economic hardship.

The Way Forward

The NHRC’s intervention is a crucial step toward:

• Ensuring accountability of power authorities and contractors

• Securing justice and compensation for the victim’s family

• Preventing recurrence of similar incidents through stricter safety enforcement

Civil society, media, and concerned citizens must continue to monitor such cases to ensure that human life is not treated as expendable in the name of development.