NHRC, India takes suo motu cognizance of media reports after 30 children fell ill and five died at an Ashram in Indore district, Madhya Pradesh

Press release

National Human Rights Commission

New Delhi: 5th July, 2024

NHRC, India takes suo motu cognizance of media reports after 30 children fell ill and five died at an Ashram in Indore district, Madhya Pradesh

Issues notice to the Chief Secretary, Government of Madhya Pradesh calling for a detailed report within one week

NHRC Special Rapporteur also directed to conduct a spot enquiry into the matter

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India has taken suo motu cognizance of the media reports that 30 children fell ill and five died at an Ashram (Shelter Home) in Indore district, Madhya Pradesh. They are of 5-15 years. Reportedly, blood infection and food poisoning are suspected to be the reasons behind this. Most of the children living in the ashrams are orphans

The Commission has observed the contents of the media report, if true, raise a serious issue of violation of the human rights of the children. Being their custodian, it becomes the duty of the Ashram management and the supervising government officers to provide them with a safe environment including hygienic food and proper medical care.

Therefore, the Commission has issued notice to the Chief Secretary, Government of Madhya Pradesh calling for a detailed report in the matter within one week. It should include the present health status of the children reportedly hospitalized for medical treatment. The report is also expected to include the treatment records of the five children who died.

The Commission would also like to know about the steps taken to improve the overall condition of the Ashram so that such incidents do not recur. Besides this, the Commission would like to have a specific report about the action taken against an SDM, who has been reportedly placed under suspension on the allegations of behaving in an insensitive manner while enquiring into the matter at the shelter home.

Apart from this, the Commission has also asked its Special Rapporteur, Shri Umesh Kumar Sharma to visit the Shelter Home to conduct a spot enquiry and submit a report at the earliest.

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