NHRC seeks report on minor's death in Odisha school

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has asked Odisha to submit a report on the death of a seven-year-old student after a large almirah fell on her in a state school last month, a petitioner said Thursday.

The commission directed the secretary of the school and the department of mass education of the state government to submit a detailed report within four weeks, rights activist Prabir Das told IANS.

Das filed a complaint before the commission that the tragic death of the seven-year-old girl took place due to sheer negligence. According to him, the Class 2 student, Soni Pradhan, sustained critical injuries after being crushed under a big almirah which fell on her in the classroom of a government school at Uttarhana village in Puri district, July 29.

She died Aug 2, while undergoing treatment at a hospital.

"The girl was under the care and custody of the state when she was reading in the classroom. The accident could have been averted if the teachers were vigilant and watchful. The tragic death of the girl caused irreparable loss to her family," Das said.

Demanding compensation of Rs.5 lakh for the family of the victim, Das also requested the commission to direct the government to order a free and fair enquiry and ensure that no such tragedy happens in the future.