NHRC notice to the Government of Uttar Pradesh over reported death of three labourers and injury to two others due to electrocution in Bareilly district (30.01.2019)

New Delhi, 30th January, 2019

The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC has taken suo motu cognizance of media reports that three labourers died and two others were seriously injured due to electrocution while fixing poles, which came in contact with an over head high tension wire in Bareilly district of Uttar Pradesh. Reportedly, the contractor had no permission from the Electricity Department for the work. The labourers were engaged for laying Reliance Jio 5G cable on the poles.

The commission has observed that going by the contents of the news reports, carried today on the 30th January, 2019, apparently, there was gross negligence on the part of the contractor. Right to life, which is one of basic human rights, of the deceased labourers and the injured, has been violated. The incident also puts a question mark on the working of the authorities concerned, who could not stop the illegal work being done by the contractor.

Accordingly, it has issued a notice to the Chief Secretary, Government of Uttar Pradesh calling for a detailed report in the matter along with the relief and rehabilitation to be provided if not already provided, to the NOKs of the deceased labourers and to the families of the labourers who have sustained grievous injuries in the incident. The commission would also like to know the status of the medical treatment being provided to the injured and the legal action taken against the officials/ contractor responsible in the matter. The response is expected within four weeks.

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