Tamil Nadu: NHRC Demands Answers Over Electrocution Deaths

New Delhi – The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is demanding answers from the Tamil Nadu government following the electrocution deaths of two contract laborers last week. The incident occurred on December 18 in Tiruchi, where the workers were repairing a high-tension overhead power line.

The NHRC, acting on a media report, issued notices to the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police, Tamil Nadu. The Commission has given the state government two weeks to submit a detailed report on the incident.

The deceased, employed by the Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (Tangedco), were electrocuted while working near the Olaiyur Ring Road in KK Nagar, Tiruchi. Preliminary investigations, as reported in the media, suggest that the power supply to the cable was not fully disconnected during the repair work. The workers were also reportedly not provided with any protective gear.

The NHRC expressed serious concern over the incident, stating that it indicated "gross negligence on the part of the electricity department." The Commission highlighted the gravity of the situation, emphasizing that such incidents, which have occurred in the state before, constitute "a serious human rights violation." The NHRC noted that this is not an isolated incident, citing similar incidents in the past, including the electrocution of a worker while repairing a transformer in Thoothukudi district last year.

In its notice, the NHRC sought information regarding the status of the FIR registered in the case and details of any compensation provided to the families of the victims. The Commission also requested information on the steps taken by the state government and Tangedco to prevent similar tragedies in the future.