NHRC Issues Final Reminder in Electrocution Death Case of Varanasi Farmer

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a final reminder to the District Magistrate, Varanasi and the Chief Engineer-II (Tube Well), Irrigation Department, in connection with the tragic death of a farmer due to electrocution at a government-operated tube well in Varanasi.

📌 Case Background

The complaint was originally filed on 06 August 2024 by social activist Lenin Raghuvanshi, regarding the death of Santosh Kumar (45 years), a resident of Pachraw village, Chaubepur, Varanasi.

• Victim Name: Santosh Kumar

• Age/Gender: 45/M

• Incident Date: 03/08/2024

• Category: Death Due to Electrocution (1514)

• Location: Chaubepur, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Santosh Kumar reportedly went to switch on a government-operated tube well for irrigation when he was electrocuted. Despite intimation, no official from the tube well department allegedly reached the site. Police from Chandpur Police Station later arrived and sent the body for post-mortem.

The complaint alleged negligence by officials of the State Irrigation (Tube Well) Department and requested:

• A fair and impartial investigation

• Compensation for the bereaved family

📨 NHRC’s Latest Action (23 February 2026)

In its proceedings dated 23/02/2026, the NHRC noted:

• The Commission had earlier sought an Action Taken Report (ATR) from the District Magistrate, Varanasi on 21/10/2024.

• Despite repeated reminders, no report has been received from the concerned authorities.

• The Commission has now issued a final reminder, directing submission of a complete report within two weeks (by 19/03/2026).

• Failure to comply may result in coercive measures under Section 13(1) of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.

This indicates serious concern from the Commission regarding administrative inaction.

⚠️ Key Human Rights Concerns

1. Right to Life (Article 21 of the Constitution of India)
   Death allegedly caused by negligence in maintaining public infrastructure raises constitutional concerns.

2. Administrative Accountability
   Delayed response and absence of departmental presence at the incident site point toward systemic failure.

3. Right to Remedy and Compensation
   The victim’s family, including his wife and children, await justice and financial support.

🏛️ Why This Matters

This case reflects broader concerns about:

• Safety standards in government-operated irrigation infrastructure

• Delayed administrative accountability

• Rural farmers’ vulnerability

• Need for timely human rights intervention

The NHRC’s firm stance shows that state authorities are answerable when negligence results in loss of life.

🔍 What Happens Next?

Authorities must:

• Conduct a proper inquiry

• Fix responsibility

• Submit a detailed Action Taken Report

• Consider compensation for the victim’s family

If they fail to comply, the NHRC may initiate coercive proceedings.

The tragic death of Santosh Kumar underscores the urgent need for infrastructure safety audits, administrative accountability, and timely justice mechanisms. As the deadline of 19 March 2026 approaches, all eyes will be on whether the concerned authorities respond responsibly to the Commission’s directive.

Justice delayed must not become justice denied.