NHRC Issues Notice Over Hostel Deaths in Madhya Pradesh

New Delhi- Two students were found dead while cleaning a water tank at a government-run hostel in Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh on September 25, according to a media report. The students were allegedly asked to clean the tank by the hostel superintendent.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of the news and has issued a notice to the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police of Madhya Pradesh calling for a detailed report within two weeks. The Commission has also requested the Director General of Police to provide details on the status of the police investigation and compensation paid to the families of the victims.

The Commission has observed that the hostel authorities have acted in an insensitive manner by asking the young boys to execute such a hazardous task that resulted in their deaths. The NHRC has also raised concerns about the violation of human rights of the students.

According to the media report, the two students were found lying in the tank after coming into contact with a live wire connected to a water pump inside the tank while they were cleaning it. The villagers at the hostel notified the hostel authorities about the incident.