NHRC notices to the Government of Haryana and Chairman, Railway Board, New Delhi over reported hacking of a gateman's hands by some miscreants at a railway crossing near Sonepat (18.09.2018)

PRESS RELEASE

New Delhi, 18th September, 2018

The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, India has taken suo motu cognizance of media reports that in a rare case of violence against an on-duty railway man, three persons on a bike attacked a level crossing gateman with sharp objects, hacked his left arm and left him and his friend in a pool of blood on the 17th September, 2018 near Sonepat, Haryana.

The Commission, on the basis of the media reports, has observed that whatever be the reason behind this gruesome act, it clearly indicates that there were no security arrangements for the safety of on duty staff leading to violation of his human rights.

Accordingly, it has issued notices to the Chief Secretary & Director General of Police, Haryana calling for a detailed report along with details of steps taken in the matter. A notice has also been issued to the Chairman, Railway Board, New Delhi seeking a report within four weeks about the steps to be taken, if not taken already, to prevent such ghastly act against gatemen of Railway crossing across the country.

According to the media reports, carried on the 18th September, 2018, two bike-borne assailants severed the hands of gateman after he refused to open a level crossing gate in north Delhi's Narela because a train was approaching. He is undergoing major surgery to restore the limbs after the assault Sunday night. He also received serious injuries to his legs and neck.

Reportedly, the victim was manning gate number 19 between Narela and Rathdhana on Sunday night when three men on a bike demanded that the level crossing gate be opened. He refused as the 18101 Muri Express was approaching. He was said he rushed to the Northern Railway Central Hospital from where he was later shifted to a hospital in Rohini. An FIR has been lodged against unknown persons with the Government Railway Police, Northern Railway, Sonepat.

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