Press release

National Human Rights Commission

New Delhi: 24th March 2026

NHRC, India takes suo motu cognizance of the reported death of three sanitation workers while cleaning a septic tank in Raipur district of Chhattisgarh

Notices issued to the District Magistrate and Raipur SSP, calling for a detailed report on the matter within two weeks

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report that three sanitation workers died after inhaling toxic gases while cleaning a septic tank at a private hospital in Raipur district of Chhattisgarh on 17th March 2026. Reportedly, the relatives of the victims alleged that neither the hospital management nor the private contractor provided them safety gear.

The Commission has observed that the contents of the news report, if true, raise a serious issue of violation of human rights of the victims. Therefore, it has issued notices to the District Magistrate and the Senior Superintendent of Police, Raipur, calling for a detailed report on the matter within two weeks.

The report is also expected to include the status of the investigation.

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