Incident Details
According to the complaint submitted on 26 July 2025, three individuals lost their lives in separate lightning strike incidents during intense monsoon rainfall. The victims included:
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Ashish, a 13-year-old boy from Village Dadihara, Police Station Myorpur, District Sonbhadra
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A 50-year-old farmer from Sonbhadra district
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A 65-year-old woman from Bhadohi district
The incidents occurred during heavy rains accompanied by thunderstorms. Local police and health authorities confirmed the deaths after the victims were struck by lightning.
These tragic incidents highlight the vulnerability of rural populations, particularly children, farmers, and elderly persons, who are often exposed to extreme weather conditions without adequate protective infrastructure or early warning systems.
Human Rights Concerns
The loss of life due to lightning strikes raises serious concerns regarding:
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Protection of the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution of India
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State responsibility to provide disaster preparedness and risk mitigation measures
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Adequate compensation and rehabilitation for affected families
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Implementation of disaster management and emergency response mechanisms
Natural disasters and lightning-related deaths require prompt and adequate response from authorities, including financial relief, social support, and preventive measures.
NHRC Intervention
After reviewing the complaint, the NHRC directed the District Magistrates of Sonbhadra and Bhadohi to:
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Examine the matter and take necessary action
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Provide compensation and relief as per applicable government schemes
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Submit an Action Taken Report (ATR) to the Commission within four weeks through the official HRCNet portal
This intervention reflects NHRC’s commitment to protecting the right to life and ensuring that victims’ families receive appropriate relief and support.
PVCHR’s Position
The People’s Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR) welcomes the NHRC’s intervention and urges the district authorities to ensure:
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Immediate financial compensation to the families of the deceased
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Proper implementation of disaster relief schemes
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Preventive measures and awareness programs to reduce lightning-related fatalities
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Strengthening of early warning and disaster preparedness systems in vulnerable rural areas
Timely compensation and preventive action are essential to protect vulnerable communities and uphold human dignity.
Commitment to Justice and Support
Lenin Raghuvanshi and PVCHR remain committed to supporting the affected families and advocating for justice, accountability, and effective disaster response measures.
Every preventable death due to natural hazards underscores the urgent need for stronger institutional preparedness and protection of citizens’ fundamental rights.
Date: Wed, Feb 25, 2026, 16:31
Subject: Action Taken Report Called for(ATR) -16096/24/69/2025
To: <dmson@nic.in>, <dmsrn@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.- 16096/24/69/2025 |
| Date : 25/02/2026 |
| To, |
| THE DISTRICT MAGISTRATE Bhandar Khurd, Uttar Pradesh 231216 SONEBHADRA UTTAR PRADESH 231216 Email- dmson@nic.in THE DISTRICT MAGISTRATE BHADOHI UTTAR PRADESH Email- dmsrn@nic.in |
| Sub : Complaint/ Intimation from |
LENIN RAGHUVANSHI |
| Subject: Action Taken Report Called for(ATR) -16096/24/69/2025. |
| Sir/ Madam, |
| The complaint/ intimation dated 26/07/2025, was placed before the Commission on 25/02/2026. Upon perusing the same, the Commission directed as follows: |
| The complainant reports that three individuals tragically died after being struck by lightning during heavy rainfall in Sonebhadra and Bhadohi Districts. The victims include a 13-year-old boy, a 50-year-old farmer, and a 65-year-old woman. The incidents occurred in separate villages and were reported by local police and health officials. The complainant requests the Commission to take cognizance of the matter and provide compensation to the affected families. Let the copy of the complaint be transmitted to the District Magistrate, Sonebhadra and District Magistrate, Bhadohi to take needful action and submit an action taken report duly translated in English within four weeks to this Commission. |
| 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 Sparsh Agarwal |
