NHRC Intervention in Chandauli Lightning Death Case: A Step Toward Justice for Rural Victims
Human Rights Action in the Case of Tara Devi’s Death
In a significant development for human rights protection and accountability, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken cognizance of a complaint regarding the tragic death of a rural woman, Tara Devi, in Chandauli district of Uttar Pradesh. The Commission has directed the District Magistrate, Chandauli, to investigate the matter and submit an Action Taken Report within four weeks.
This intervention highlights the importance of institutional mechanisms in ensuring justice and compensation for vulnerable communities affected by accidental deaths and administrative negligence.
The Incident
According to the complaint filed by social activist Lenin Raghuvanshi, the incident occurred on 14 July 2025 in Maharathpur village of Chandauli district, Uttar Pradesh.
Tara Devi, aged 58, was planting paddy in agricultural fields when she was struck by lightning. She was immediately taken to the Primary Health Center but was declared dead on arrival.
The complaint raised concerns regarding:
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Proper investigation of the incident
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Government accountability
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Compensation and support for the victim’s family
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Protection of the rights of rural agricultural workers
The case was supported by media reporting, which brought public attention to the tragedy.
NHRC’s Action
After reviewing the complaint dated 19 July 2025, the National Human Rights Commission directed:
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The District Magistrate, Chandauli to examine the matter
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Authorities to conduct necessary inquiry
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Submission of an Action Taken Report (ATR) within four weeks
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Appropriate action including relief or compensation where applicable
This direction reflects NHRC’s role in protecting the right to life and ensuring state responsibility toward citizens.
Why This Case Matters
1. Protection of Rural Lives
Farmers and agricultural workers face significant risks from natural disasters such as lightning strikes. Many victims’ families struggle to access compensation or institutional support.
2. State Accountability
Government authorities must ensure disaster response mechanisms, timely medical assistance, and financial relief for affected families.
3. Human Rights Framework
The right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution of India requires authorities to protect citizens and respond adequately to such incidents.
4. Access to Justice
NHRC intervention provides a platform for marginalized communities to seek justice and accountability.
Need for Stronger Disaster Response Mechanisms
This case highlights broader issues that require policy attention:
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Awareness programs on lightning safety in rural areas
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Early warning systems
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Immediate compensation mechanisms
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Strengthening primary healthcare response in villages
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Protection of agricultural workers’ rights
Ensuring these measures can help prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Role of Civil Society
The case demonstrates the importance of civil society organizations and human rights defenders in:
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Raising awareness
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Documenting violations
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Supporting victims’ families
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Ensuring accountability of public authorities
Active citizen engagement strengthens democratic governance and human rights protection.
The NHRC’s intervention in the Tara Devi case represents a positive step toward justice and accountability. It underscores the importance of institutional oversight in safeguarding human rights and ensuring that vulnerable communities are not denied their basic rights and entitlements.
Ensuring timely investigation, compensation, and policy reforms will be essential in delivering justice to the victim’s family and preventing similar incidents in the future.
Date: Tue, Feb 17, 2026, 13:23
Subject: Action Taken Report Called for(ATR) -15760/24/19/2025
To: <dmchn@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.- 15760/24/19/2025 |
| Date : 17/02/2026 |
| To, |
| THE DISTRICT MAGISTRATE DISTRICT COLLECTORATE, CHANDAULI UTTAR PRADESH 232104 Email- dmchn@nic.in |
| Sub : Complaint/ Intimation from |
LENIN RAGHUVANSHI |
| Subject: Action Taken Report Called for(ATR) -15760/24/19/2025. |
| Sir/ Madam, |
| The complaint/ intimation dated 19/07/2025, was placed before the Commission on 17/02/2026. Upon perusing the same, the Commission directed as follows: |
| The complainant alleges that one Tara Devi was struck by lightning while planting paddy in Maharathpur village, Chandauli district, Uttar Pradesh. She was taken to the Primary Health Center but was declared dead on arrival. the complainant requests the Commission to investigate and provide compensation to the victim's family. Let a copy of the complaint be sent to the District Magistrate, Chandauli, U.P. for needful action and for submitting an action taken report to this 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 |
| CC to |
Complainant Details Sparsh Agarwal |
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