NHRC orders Rs. 20 lakh compensation for deaths of four children due to electrocution in Uttar Pradesh

On the intervention of the National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, India, in a case of death of four children due to electrocution, the Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited has paid Rs. 5 lakh each as monetary relief to their next of kin. However, having received no information on the departmental action taken and the grant of criminal proceedings against the negligent public servants, the Commission has issued summons for the personal appearance of Chief Secretary, Government of Uttar Pradesh on 28th April, 2022 with the requisite reports. However, he shall stand dispensed with the personal appearance if, the requisite report is received on or before 21st April, 2022.

The Commission had registered the case on basis of complaints, alleging that four children died due to electrocution when a live wire snapped and fell into a tube-well they were bathing in Sambhal district, Uttar Pradesh on 21st June, 2019. Allegedly, the incidence had occurred due to the negligence of the Electricity Department.

On the basis of the material on record received from the concerned authorities in response to its notices, the Commission found the allegations as correct and that the personnel of Paschimannchal Vidhyut Vitran Nigam Limited were responsible for the incident. Thereafter, the Commission issued a notice of Chief Secretary, Government of Uttar Pradesh to show cause why appropriate amount of interim relief may not be recommended to be paid to the next of kin of each of the four deceased children. He was also asked to submit the details of departmental action taken in the matter and grant of prosecution sanction in the criminal case in the matter.

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