NHRC takes cognizance in Amritsar accident; issue notices to state, railways

The National Human Rights Commission on Monday took suo motu cognizance of media reports of dozens of people mowed down by a train in Amritsar on Dussehra and issued notices to the Government of Punjab, Chairman of the Railway Board seeking a detailed report in the matter within four weeks.

The State Government has been asked to provide all the details regarding disbursement of relief and rehabilitation to the aggrieved families as well as the information on the status of the treatment being provided to the injured in different hospitals of Amritsar.

However, the Commission also observed that people sitting on the railway tracks cannot be called as a sane act, but the negligence of the district authorities is apparent.

"It seems that the local authorities and the organisers did not properly manage the crowd, gathered to watch the Dussehra celebrations. It was the responsibility of the State to provide proper safety and protection to the citizens during the event. This is a case of serious violation of human rights of the victims," observed the Commission.

According to the media reports, several people were sitting on the railway track, taking photographs and enjoying burning of the effigy of Ravan, when a train passed through crushing the people.

The Government Railway Police (GRP) has registered a case of culpable homicide and causing death by negligence against unidentified persons. The Railway authorities have stated that they cannot be blamed, as they were not informed about the ceremony.