Alleged Gang Rape in Badaun and the Closure of an NHRC Case: A Critical Analysis

Alleged Gang Rape in Badaun and the Closure of an NHRC Case: A Critical Analysis

By Lenin Raghuvanshi

(Human Rights Defender)

Cases of sexual violence, particularly gang rape allegations involving local power holders, test the credibility of law enforcement and human rights institutions. One such case emerged from Ughaiti Police Station, Badaun district, Uttar Pradesh, in September 2023, raising troubling questions about access to justice, investigative processes, and the vulnerability of survivors.

This blog examines the case Diary No. 14971/IN/2023 | Case No. 23761/24/7/2023-WC, as registered and processed by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), and offers an analysis of how the matter unfolded and was ultimately closed.

Background of the Allegation

According to the complaint submitted on 12 September 2023, an online news report alleged that on 07 September 2023, a 34-year-old woman from a village under Ughaiti Police Station, Badaun, was gang-raped by four persons, including the son of a village Pradhan.

As per the complaint:

• The woman was going to take medicine with her brother-in-law

• Both were allegedly taken hostage at gunpoint

• They were taken to a secluded place where the offence was allegedly committed

• When the victim’s husband reached the spot, he reportedly found his wife in a delirious condition

• The accused were allegedly present at the police station when the husband approached it

• It was alleged that the police did not take action, allegedly to protect the accused

The complainant sought the intervention of the NHRC, citing failure of local police to act.

NHRC’s Initial Response

The NHRC took prompt cognizance of the complaint on 13 September 2023 and referred the matter to its Investigation Division. The Commission directed that facts be collected telephonically from concerned authorities and the matter be placed before it within a week.

This step acknowledged the seriousness of the allegation, particularly given:

• The nature of the offence (gang rape)

• Alleged involvement of influential persons

• Alleged police inaction

Police Version and Contradictory Statements

During NHRC’s inquiry:

• The SHO, PS Ughaiti, denied the allegation

• Police stated the issue was a civil dispute over land and tractor passage

• It was claimed that both parties had earlier submitted complaints on 01 September 2023

• Police reported that the dispute was later amicably settled on 10 September 2023

• The brother-in-law, who was allegedly present during the incident, stated that no such incident occurred

Based on these statements, the police narrative directly contradicted the media report and the original complaint.

Action Taken Report and Closure of the Case

On 27 September 2023, the NHRC forwarded the matter to the Senior Superintendent of Police, Badaun, seeking an Action Taken Report (ATR) and also directed that police communications be shared with the victim’s husband for comments.

In response:

• The Additional Superintendent of Police, Badaun, submitted an ATR dated 12 October 2023

• The ATR stated that the complainant admitted to filing the complaint due to a civil dispute, allegedly on the instigation of others

• It was further stated that the complainant did not want further action

After considering these submissions, the NHRC concluded on 28 November 2023 that:

• The complainant had admitted the dispute was civil in nature

• He no longer wished to pursue the matter

• No further action was required

• The case was formally closed

Human Rights Analysis: Key Concerns

While the case is officially concluded, several structural and human rights concerns merit reflection:

1. Reliance on Police Version in Sexual Violence Allegations

In cases where police inaction or bias is alleged, reliance on the same police machinery for fact verification raises questions of institutional conflict of interest.

2. Withdrawal or Denial by Families

In many sexual violence cases, especially in rural settings:

• Survivors and families face social pressure

• Threats, stigma, and power asymmetry can influence statements

• “Settlements” may not always reflect free and informed consent

3. Absence of Medical and Forensic Examination

The records do not reflect:

• Independent medical examination

• Forensic evidence collection

• Judicial oversight at the initial stage

This weakens the ability to arrive at an objective truth.

4. Chilling Effect on Reporting

When cases involving influential accused are closed without transparent, independent investigation, it risks:

• Discouraging survivors from reporting

• Reinforcing fear and silence

• Undermining trust in justice institutions

Conclusion

The NHRC acted within its procedural framework and relied on the material placed before it. However, this case illustrates the limitations of complaint-based redress mechanisms in environments marked by local power dominance, social pressure, and police control of narratives.

Closure of a case does not necessarily mean closure of truth.

For survivors of sexual violence, justice requires:

• Independence

• Sensitivity

• Protection from coercion

• Institutional courage to question dominant narratives

Final Reflection

Human rights work is not only about outcomes recorded in files, but about continuously questioning whether systems truly serve the most vulnerable.

Every closed case should still invite learning—so that future survivors are not silenced before justice even begins.

Case No.- 23761/24/7/2023-WC

NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION

(LAW DIVISION)

* * *

MANAV ADHIKAR BHAWAN, BLOCK-C,

G.P.O. COMPLEX, INA, NEW DELHI- 110023

Fax No.: 011-24651332    Website: www.nhrc.nic.in

---

Date : 13/09/2023

To,

DG(I), NHRC National Human Rights Commission, New Delhi DELHI DELHI Email- dg-nhrc@nic.in

Subject: Sent to DG(I), NHRC -23761/24/7/2023-WC.

Sir/Madam,

The complaint/intimation dated 12/09/2023, was placed before the Commission on 13/09/2023. Upon perusing the same, the Commission directed as follows:

The complainant, while referring an online newspaper, has alleged that on 07.09.2023, the victim woman was gang-raped by the four accused persons, including Pradhan’s Son in a village under Ughaiti Police Station of district Baduan. As per the complaint, she was going to take medicine with her brother-in-law, they were taken in hostage on gun point and were taken in a secluded place where the offence was committed. When the victim's husband reached the spot after getting information about this incident, he found his wife/victim in a delirious state and the brother lying there. He went to the police station, but the accused was already present at the police station. In order to favoring the accused, the police did not take action. The complainant has sought intervention of the Commission.  Let the complaint be referred to the Investigation Division of the Commission to have the facts in the matter collected over telephone from the concerned authorities, and put up by 18.09.2023.

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 0 weeks from the date of receipt of this letter.

Your’s faithfully Sd/- K.K. Shrivastava DEPUTY REGISTRAR (LAW) M-5 Section Ph. No. 011-24663291

CC to

Complainant Details Case No. 23761/24/7/2023-WC LENIN RAGHUVANSHI SA4/2A DAULATPUR VARANASI VARANASI , UTTAR PRADESH 221002 Email- pvchr.adv@gmail.com , Mob No- 9935599331

 

Custodial Death in Agra: NHRC Seeks Reports from Police and District Administration in Kedar Singh Case

 

Custodial Death in Agra: NHRC Seeks Reports from Police and District Administration in Kedar Singh Case
By Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi
(Human Rights Defender)

Custodial deaths remain one of the gravest human rights violations in India. Despite constitutional guarantees and Supreme Court guidelines, allegations of torture and deaths in police custody continue to surface. One such case is the custodial death of Kedar Singh, a 55-year-old man from Agra, Uttar Pradesh.

Case Details (NHRC)

• Diary No.: 2603/IN/2025

• Case/File No.: 2095/24/1/2025-PCD

• Victim: Kedar Singh (55 years)

• Incident Category: Custodial Death (Police)

• Incident Date: 07 February 2025

• Place: Police Chauki Kabis, District Agra, Uttar Pradesh

• Complainant: Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi

The complaint was submitted through HRCNet and registered by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).

Allegations in the Complaint

The complaint alleges that third-degree torture was inflicted upon Kedar Singh by police officials of Kabis Police Chauki, Agra, while he was in custody on 07 February 2025.

As per the complaint and the media report cited therein:

• A cloth was forcibly stuffed into the victim’s mouth to suppress his screams

• The victim allegedly succumbed due to custodial torture

• The incident was reported in print media on the same date

These allegations raise serious concerns regarding custodial violence, abuse of authority, and violation of the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution of India.

NHRC Takes Cognizance

The NHRC took cognizance of the matter and, vide proceedings dated 21 March 2025, directed the District Magistrate, Agra and the Commissioner of Police, Agra to submit detailed reports covering all aspects of the custodial death.

The Commission specifically called for:

1. A detailed report covering time, place, and reasons for arrest/detention

2. Copy of the complaint registered against the deceased

3. Arrest memo and inspection memo

4. Information on whether family/relatives were informed of arrest

5. Seizure memo and recovery memo

6. Medical Legal Certificate (MLC)

7. Copies of all relevant GD entries

8. Inquest report

9. Post-mortem report (typed, with injury details)

10. Video recording of post-mortem examination

11. Site plan of the place of occurrence

12. Chemical and histopathological examination of viscera (if applicable)

13. Final cause of death based on FSL report

14. Magisterial enquiry report under Section 176(1-A) CrPC

Non-Compliance and NHRC Reminder

Despite these clear directions, no reports were received by the NHRC within the stipulated time.

Consequently, the Commission issued an Additional Information Called for (AIC) order dated 30 July 2025, directing:

• The Commissioner of Police, Agra

• The District Magistrate, Agra

to submit the complete reports within two weeks, with a final reminder deadline of 23 August 2025.

This continued non-submission of reports reflects serious administrative apathy in a matter involving death in police custody.

Why This Case Is Important

Custodial deaths strike at the heart of:

• The rule of law

• Police accountability

• India’s obligations under international human rights standards

The Supreme Court of India and the NHRC have repeatedly emphasized that custodial violence is impermissible and that every custodial death must be subjected to independent, transparent, and time-bound investigation.

Failure to submit mandatory reports not only delays justice but also deepens mistrust in law-enforcement institutions.

Call for Accountability

I urge:

• The Agra Police Commissionerate and District Administration to immediately comply with NHRC directions

• A fair, impartial, and independent investigation into the death of Kedar Singh

• Accountability of officials responsible for custodial torture, if established

• Compensation and relief to the family of the deceased as per law

Custody does not extinguish fundamental rights. No person should lose their life at the hands of the state.

Conclusion

The NHRC’s continued monitoring of this case is crucial. However, justice will only be meaningful when:

• Truth is established

• Responsibility is fixed

• Structural safeguards are strengthened to prevent future custodial deaths

Every custodial death is a reminder that human dignity must remain inviolable—especially when the state exercises its power.

Two Labourers Died While Fixing Jal Jeevan Mission Tank Leak: NHRC Seeks Action from Uttar Pradesh Labour Department

 

Two Labourers Died While Fixing Jal Jeevan Mission Tank Leak: NHRC Seeks Action from Uttar Pradesh Labour Department

By Lenin Raghuvanshi

(Human Rights Defender)

Deaths of workers during government-funded infrastructure projects expose deep failures in safety, accountability, and enforcement of labour laws. One such tragic incident occurred in Chitrakoot, Uttar Pradesh, where two labourers lost their lives while repairing a water tank under the Jal Jeevan Mission.

Incident Reported in Media

On 18 May 2025, the Hindi daily Dainik Jagran reported a tragic accident under the headline:

“लीकेज ठीक करते समय दो की मौत”

(Two died while fixing leakage)

According to the report:

• The incident occurred during repair work of a water tank constructed under the Jal Jeevan Mission

• A lifter machine sank into a swampy area, overturned, and struck a wall

• Two labourers, Suresh Patel and Banwari Patel, who were sitting on the trolley, fell down and died

• After the incident, no officials or employees of the executing company (L&T) reached the site

The report raises serious concerns regarding workplace safety, supervision, and post-incident accountability.

Complaint Submitted to NHRC

In light of the incident, I submitted a complaint to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on 19 May 2025, seeking:

• A fair and independent investigation into the deaths

• Accountability of contractors and authorities responsible for safety lapses

• Compensation and relief for the families of the deceased workers

The matter was registered by NHRC as:

• Case No.: 11474/24/20/2025

• Category: Deaths/Injury in Unorganized Sector

• Victims: Suresh Patel and Banwari Patel

• Place of Incident: Chitrakoot, Uttar Pradesh

NHRC Directs Labour Commissioner to Act

After examining the complaint, the NHRC, through its Action Taken Report (ATR) order dated 13 August 2025, observed:

Two labourers died when a lifter machine overturned and hit a wall while fixing leakage under the Jal Jeevan Mission. The incident occurred due to the machine sinking into a swampy area, and no officials visited the site afterward. The complaint seeks a fair investigation and compensation for the victims' families.

The Commission directed the Labour Commissioner, Uttar Pradesh, to:

• Examine the complaint

• Take appropriate action as per law

• Submit an Action Taken Report within four weeks

This direction confirms that the Commission found the matter serious enough to require intervention by the state labour authorities.

Why This Case Matters

This incident highlights critical systemic issues:

• Unsafe working conditions in government-funded projects

• Neglect of labour safety norms in the unorganized sector

• Lack of immediate response by executing agencies

• Vulnerability of poor workers whose deaths often go unaccounted

Deaths at worksites are not “accidents” when safety protocols are ignored. They are violations of the right to life and dignity under Article 21 of the Constitution.

Call for Accountability

I urge:

• The Labour Department, Uttar Pradesh, to conduct a transparent and time-bound inquiry

• Fix responsibility on contractors and officials for negligence

• Ensure adequate compensation and rehabilitation for the families

• Enforce labour safety laws strictly in Jal Jeevan Mission and similar projects

Development cannot be built on the lives of unprotected workers.

Conclusion

The NHRC’s intervention is a crucial step, but justice will only be complete when:

• Accountability is fixed

• Families receive compensation and dignity

• Preventive mechanisms are strengthened to ensure such tragedies do not recur

Every worker’s life matters.

From: <nhrc.india@nic.in>
Date: Wed, Aug 13, 2025, 21:02
Subject: Action Taken Report Called for(ATR) -11474/24/20/2025
To: <lcup@uplabourdeptt.com>, <labourcom@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.- 11474/24/20/2025

---

Date : 13/08/2025

To,

THE LABOUR COMMISSIONER Labour Commissioner, Uttar Pradesh UTTAR PRADESH UTTAR PRADESH Email- lcup@uplabourdeptt.com,labourcom@nic.in

Sub : Complaint/ Intimation from

LENIN RAGHUVANSHI SA 4/2 A DAULATPUR, VARANASI VARANASI , UTTAR PRADESH 221002 Email- pvchr.adv@gmail.com , Mob No- 9935599331

Subject: Action Taken Report Called for(ATR) -11474/24/20/2025.

Sir/ Madam,

The complaint/ intimation dated 19/05/2025, was placed before the Commission on 13/08/2025. Upon perusing the same, the Commission directed as follows:

Two laborers, Suresh Patel and Banwari Patel, died when a lifter machine overturned and hit a wall while fixing leakage under the Jal Jeevan Mission. The incident occurred due to the machine sinking into a swampy area, and no L&T officials visited the site afterward. The complaint seeks a fair investigation and compensation for the victims' families. Let a copy of complaint be transmitted to the Labour Commissioner, Uttar Pradesh calling for an Action Taken Report within four weeks. Put up after 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 Sd/- Indrajeet Kumar DEPUTY REGISTRAR (LAW) M-2 Section Ph. No. 011-24663276

CC to

Complainant Details Case No. 11474/24/20/2025 LENIN RAGHUVANSHI SA 4/2 A DAULATPUR, VARANASI VARANASI , UTTAR PRADESH 221002 Email- pvchr.adv@gmail.com , Mob No- 9935599331 Indrajeet Kumar DEPUTY REGISTRAR (LAW) M-2 Section Ph. No. 011-24663276

When Seeking Justice Becomes a Risk: Targeting of a Human Rights Defender in Varanasi

When Seeking Justice Becomes a Risk: Targeting of a Human Rights Defender in Varanasi
By Lenin Raghuvanshi
(Human Rights Defender)

Human rights work in India often comes at a cost. What begins as support to a survivor can quickly turn into intimidation, surveillance, and targeting by authorities meant to protect citizens.

Background of the Case

On 9 July 2024, a Hindi daily newspaper Amar Ujala (Varanasi edition) published a report titled:

“एनजीओ में काम करने वाली युवती से साथी और सिपाही ने दुष्कर्म किया”

(An NGO worker raped by her colleague and a police constable)

The report detailed the sexual exploitation of a young woman working with an NGO, allegedly raped on the false promise of marriage. It further stated that when the survivor pressured the accused for marriage, a police constable was engaged, who also sexually assaulted her. The survivor reportedly faced forced abortions, threats, and exploitation.

Following the publication and the survivor’s complaint:

• FIR No. 243/2024 was registered at PS Lalpur Pandeypur, Varanasi

• Charges included Sections 376, 313, 504, 506 IPC

• One accused was arrested and charge-sheeted

• The involvement of a police personnel raised serious concerns of custodial abuse of power

Complaint Before NHRC

As a human rights defender, I submitted a complaint to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) seeking:

• Protection and safety of the survivor

• Accountability of the accused, including departmental action against the police personnel

• Compensation and rehabilitation for the survivor

The NHRC, after examining the matter, passed multiple orders. Most importantly:

• NHRC acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations

• Directed reports from senior police authorities

• Sought a departmental action report from 11th PAC, Sitapur

• Issued final reminders due to non-compliance by authorities

The NHRC’s Additional Information Call (AIC) dated 19 August 2025 clearly shows continued monitoring and concern over delay and inaction.

Targeting After Intervention

After pursuing the case and engaging constitutional mechanisms, I began facing hostile actions from the local police:

• Unnecessary scrutiny and intimidation

• Attempts to discredit my role as a human rights defender

• Pressure tactics seemingly aimed at discouraging follow-up on the case

• A pattern suggesting retaliation for assisting a survivor and approaching NHRC

This targeting is not an isolated incident. Across India, human rights defenders who assist survivors of sexual violence—especially where police are involved—face similar reprisals.

Why This Matters

Targeting a human rights defender:

• Violates Article 21 of the Constitution

• Undermines access to justice for survivors

• Directly contradicts India’s obligations under international human rights law

• Sends a chilling message to civil society and whistleblowers

If those who support survivors are silenced, justice becomes impossible.

Appeal

I urge:

• NHRC to take cognizance of retaliatory targeting

• Senior police leadership to ensure protection of human rights defenders

• Civil society, media, and legal community to remain vigilant

Seeking justice is not a crime. Defending human rights should never become a reason for persecution.

From: <nhrc.india@nic.in>
Date: Tue, Aug 19, 2025 at 4:40 PM
Subject: Additional Information Called for(AIC) -16984/24/72/2024-wc
To: <eowhq@up.nic.in>, <adgeow@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.- 16984/24/72/2024-wc

---

Date : 19/08/2025

To,

ADDITIONAL DIRECTOR GENERAL Economic Offences Wing, Police Bhawan, near EKANA Stadium, Gomti Nagar, LUCKNOW UTTAR PRADESH Email- eowhq@up.nic.in,adgeow@nic.in

Sub : Complaint/ Intimation from

LENIN RAGHUVNASHI SA 4/2A DAULATPUR VARANASI VARANASI , UTTAR PRADESH 221002 Email- pvchr.adv@gmail.com , Mob No- 9935599331

Subject: Additional Information Called for(AIC) -16984/24/72/2024-wc.

Sir/ Madam,

I am directed to say that the matter was considered by the Commission on 19/08/2025 and the Commission has directed as follows.:

In this case, the Commission vide order dated 17.04.2025 observed and directed as under:    “1. The complainant has quoted a news published in the Amar Ujaala dated 09.07.2024 captioned 'NGO mein kaam karne wali yuvati se sathi aur sipahi ne dushkarm kiya'. As per the news report, the victim was employed with an NGO and raped by the accused named in the complaint on false promise of marriage who get aborted her pregnancy twice. It is further reported that when the victim pressurized the accused for marriage, he engaged a Police Constable to teach her a lesson, who also raped her. The accused also took pic and video of the incident. As per the news report, on the direction of the Police Commissioner, a case has been registered at PS Lalpur Pandeypur, and the police have started investigation after arresting an accused. The complainant has requested intervention of the Commission in the matter and safety, security for the victim along with stern action against the accused persons. 2. Pursuant to reminder dtd 25.10.2024, a report dtd 29.10.2024 was received from Addl. DCP, Crime (Nodal HR), Varanasi. It is submitted that, based on the complaint received from the victim, a PS Lalpur Pandeypur FIR no. 243/2024 dtd 08.07.2024 u/s 376/313/504/506 IPC was filed against named alleged accused 1. Naveen Yadav, & 2. Vivek Yadav. Accused Naveen Yadav was arrested on dtd 09.07.2024. During investigation, sections 313 IPC was altered with 323 IPC. The investigation in the present case has been concluded and named accused Naveen Yadav is chargesheeted for crime committed u/s 323/376 IPC and accused Vivek Yadav has been chargesheeted u/s 504/506 IPC on dtd 23.07.2024. For issue related to compensation for crime committed u/s 376 IPC, the victim has been asked to provide related necessary documents to be placed before the DLSA, Varanasi. As and when the documents would be provided by the victim, application for compensation would be filed. 3. Pursuant to further direction regarding departmental action against accused (who was reported to be police official), the Addl. DCP/Nodal Officer, Varanasi, vide communication dated 07.03.2025 submitted that report regarding departmental action be called from the 11PAC Sitapur. 4. Regarding monetary relief, it is submitted that the DLSA, informed that the sanction has been granted by the competent authority and monetary relief will be released soon. 5. The Commission has considered the material placed on record. The submitted report revealed that 11th PAC Sitapur be called to submit report regarding departmental action against accused. 6. Therefore, let direction be issued to the Addl. Director General/PAC, Uttar Pradesh, to submit additional report in the matter, within six weeks. 7. The report dated 07.03.2025 of the Addl. DCP/Nodal Officer (HR), Varanasi, is also enclosed for ready reference.” Despite the Issuance of reminder, no requisite report has been received in the Commission. Let a final reminder be issued to the addl. Director General/PAC, Uttar Pradesh, to submit additional report in the matter, within six weeks. Put up after six weeks.

2.     It is therefore, requested that the additional/ complete report as directed by the Commission in the matter be sent latest by 10/10/2025, for futher consideration by the Commission.

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 Sd/- Atul Kumar ASSISTANT REGISTRAR (LAW) M-5 Section Ph. No. 011-24663287

CC to

Atul Kumar ASSISTANT REGISTRAR (LAW) M-5 Section

 

Compensation Denied Is Justice Denied: NHRC Seeks Accountability in Electrocution Death Case

The right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution of India does not end with death—it extends to dignity, accountability, and compensation for the family left behind. A recent communication from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) once again exposes how systemic negligence and official apathy continue to deny justice to victims of electrocution deaths in India.

The Incident: A Preventable Death

On 21–22 February 2025, a young man, Guddu Sonkar (30), belonging to the Scheduled Caste community, lost his life after coming into contact with a high-voltage electric wire that had fallen near the bypass overbridge at Bankuthpur village, Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh.

The wire reportedly remained live and unattended, despite posing a clear and visible danger to the public. Such incidents are not accidents—they are the result of gross negligence, poor maintenance, and failure of public authorities to ensure safety.

NHRC Intervention and Demand for Action

Acting on a complaint filed on 28 February 2025, the NHRC took cognizance of the matter and directed the Chairman, Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL) to submit an Action Taken Report (ATR).

Despite repeated directions and reminders issued on 14 July 2025 and 27 August 2025, no report was submitted by UPPCL.

Now, in its communication dated 22 December 2025, the NHRC has issued a final reminder, warning that failure to respond within two weeks may compel the Commission to invoke Section 13 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, which empowers the NHRC to summon officials and call for records.

The Core Issue: Compensation to the Victim’s Family

At the heart of this case lies a crucial question:

Why has compensation not yet been paid to the victim’s family?

Under established legal and human rights principles:

• Death caused by electrocution due to negligent maintenance of power lines attracts strict liability

• Victims’ families are entitled to monetary compensation from the electricity department

• Compensation is not charity—it is a constitutional and statutory obligation

The NHRC has consistently held that public authorities must compensate families of victims in cases involving:

• Hazardous public infrastructure

• Failure of duty of care

• Violation of safety norms

The delay in compensation compounds the suffering of the victim’s family, many of whom belong to economically and socially marginalized communities.

Accountability Must Follow Compensation

Compensation alone is not enough. The NHRC has also emphasized:

• Departmental action against negligent officials

• Fixing responsibility for failure to repair or secure live wires

• Preventive measures to avoid future electrocution deaths

When authorities ignore NHRC directions, they undermine not only the victim’s rights but also the rule of law.

A Broader Human Rights Concern

Electrocution deaths continue to claim lives across India—often of daily wage workers, pedestrians, and children. Each such death reflects:

• Institutional indifference

• Weak enforcement of safety standards

• A pattern of denial of timely compensation

The Mirzapur case is not an isolated incident—it is part of a national crisis demanding urgent reform.

 Justice Delayed Cannot Be Normalized

The NHRC’s final reminder is a clear message: human life cannot be treated as expendable. Authorities must:

1. Submit a truthful Action Taken Report

2. Provide adequate compensation to the victim’s family

3. Ensure accountability and preventive action

Justice begins with acknowledgment—and compensation is the first step toward restoring dignity to those left behind.

From: <nhrc.india@nic.in>
Date: Mon, Dec 22, 2025 at 4:38 PM
Subject: Additional Information Called for(AIC) -2168/24/55/2025
To: <cmd@uppcl.org>, <dgmir2020uppcl@gmail.com>, <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.- 2168/24/55/2025

---

Date : 22/12/2025

To,

THE CHAIRMAN UTTAR PRADESH POWER CORPORATION LIMITED, SHAKTI BHAWAN, ASHOK MARG LUCKNOW UTTAR PRADESH Email- cmd@uppcl.org,dgmir2020uppcl@gmail.com

Sub : Complaint/ Intimation from

DR LENIN RAGHUVANSHI SA 4/2 A DAULATPUR, PANDEYPUR VARANASI, DAULATPUR, VARANASI VARANASI , UTTAR PRADESH 221002 Email- pvchr.adv@gmail.com , Mob No- 9935599331

Subject: Additional Information Called for(AIC) -2168/24/55/2025.

Sir/ Madam,

I am directed to say that the matter was considered by the Commission on 22/12/2025 and the Commission has directed as follows.:

The Commission received a complaint on 28.02.2025 about hazardous employment in Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh. Upon pursuing the same, the Commission directed as follows: A contract worker, Kaushal Kishore, employed by the electricity company in Jabalpur district, died on 24-02-2025 while fixing a fault on a transformer pole. His body hung for 12 hours, showing police negligence. The incident occurred due to the lack of safety equipment and the violation of NHRC guidelines. The complainant requests a high-level investigation, action against negligent officials, and compensation for the deceased's family under the Workmen's Compensation Act. The Commission received a complaint on 28.02.2025 about death due to electrocution in Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh. Upon pursuing the same the Commission directed as follows: The complainant alleged that the victim died on 21-2-2025 after being struck by a high-voltage electric wire that fell near the bypass over bridge in Bankuthpur village and has requested for investigation of the incident and has requested for suitable compensation. The Commission vide proceedings dated 14/07/2025, followed by reminder dated 27/08/2025 directed to transmit a copy of the complaint to the  Chairman, UPCCL, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, through online mode, to ensure the needful action and submit the action taken report to the Commission within prescribed time frame. However, no report has yet been received. Let final reminder be issued to the Chairman, UPCCL, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, through online mode, to submit the requisite action taken report to the Commission within two weeks failing which the Commission shall be constrained to invoke Section 13 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.

2.     It is therefore, requested that the additional/ complete report as directed by the Commission in the matter be sent latest by 15/01/2026, for futher consideration by the Commission.

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 Sd/- Atul Kumar ASSISTANT REGISTRAR (LAW) M-5 Section Ph. No. 011-24663287

 

HTDS Millennial Awards 2025 | Featuring Lenin Raghuvanshi

मुसहर समाज: मजदूर से मालिक बनने की जंग | Shruti Nagvanshi |

भारत के सबसे उपेक्षित माने जाने वाले मुसहर और नट समाज की किस्मत अब बदल रही है… और इस बदलाव की अगुवाई कर रही हैं – Shruti Nagvanshi। यह वीडियो सिर्फ देखने के लिए नहीं, सोच बदलने के लिए है। अगर आप मानते हैं कि मुसहर और वंचित समाज को हक और सम्मान मिलना चाहिए, तो कमेंट में लिखिए: “बदलाव जरूरी है” और इस वीडियो को कम से कम 3 लोगों के साथ शेयर करें। – कुमार विजय | काशी के कर्णधार “Kashi Ke Karndhar with Kumar Vijay” के इस विशेष एपिसोड में जानिए कैसे एक महिला समाजसेवी मुसहर समाज को 👉 मजदूर से मालिक बना रही हैं 👉 भीख और मजदूरी से निकालकर स्वाभिमान की राह दिखा रही हैं 👉 शिक्षा, रोजगार और आत्मनिर्भरता की लड़ाई लड़ रही हैं 👉 और दलित-वंचित समाज के लिए एक नई क्रांति की शुरुआत कर रही हैं यह वीडियो सिर्फ एक इंटरव्यू नहीं, बल्कि एक सामाजिक आंदोलन की सच्ची कहानी है। आप इस वीडियो में देखेंगे:

• मुसहर और नट समाज का वास्तविक जीवन
• जातिगत शोषण और गरीबी की सच्चाई
• कैसे एक महिला बदलाव की मशाल बन गई
• समाजसेवा की वह मिसाल जो सिस्टम को चुनौती दे रही है