Press release

National Human Rights Commission

New Delhi: 6th August 2026

NHRC, India takes suo motu cognizance of the reported death of a girl due to jaundice caused by consumption of contaminated drinking water in Shahzadpur, Ambala district, Haryana

Reportedly, several other children diagnosed with jaundice in the locality

Issues a notice to Haryana Chief Secretary, calling for a detailed report on the matter within two weeks

The report expected to include the health status of the victim children undergoing treatment, as well as the steps taken by the administration to address the issue

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report that a 12-year-old girl died due to jaundice caused by consumption of contaminated drinking water in Shahzadpur, Ambala district, Haryana. Several other children have also been diagnosed with jaundice in the locality. The residents have alleged that the drinking water being supplied through a public tap in the area is contaminated.

The Commission has observed that the contents of the news report, if true, raise serious issues of violation of human rights. Accordingly, it has issued a notice to Haryana Chief Secretary, calling for a detailed report on the matter within two weeks. It is expected to include the health status of the victim children undergoing treatment, as well as steps being taken by the administration to address the issue.

According to the media report, carried on 3rd August 2026, the girl was initially treated for jaundice at a local hospital. As her health condition deteriorated, she was referred to PGIMER, Chandigarh, where she succumbed to her illness during the course of the treatment.

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