New Delhi, October 25th, 2010

The National Human Rights Commission has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report alleging that a labourer died in South Delhi when he was forced to clean sewer without being provided mask or necessary safety kit. The report carried on the 21st October, 2010 alleged that one Mahesh Kumar was asked to clean a sewer late on the 19th October, 2010, evening by the hospital authorities of L.R.S. Institute of Tuberculosis and Related Diseases in Mehrauli, South Delhi. As Mahesh went down the sewer, a sudden burst of harmful gas numbed his senses and he lost consciousness. Allegedly, his condition became critical, before he could be rushed to the hospital. He died early morning on the 20th October, 2010. As per report no criminal case has been registered in the matter.

The Commission in its proceedings today on the 25th October, 2010, observed that the contents of the press report, if true, raise serious issue of human rights violation of Mahesh, and issued notices to the Chief Secretary, Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi as well as the Delhi Police Commissioner, calling for reports in the matter within four weeks.

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