NHRC seeks report from govt, discom over electrocution death

National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) today issued notices to Delhi government and BSES discom over the death of a youth due to electrocution from an electric pole in Dabri area of the city.
According to a statement released by NHRC, notices have been issued to the Chief Secretary, government of National Capital Territory of Delhi, and the concerned power company to submit a report in the matter within four weeks.
These notices were issued after the commission took suo-motu cognizance of a media report which said that 25-year-old Rajiv Sharda died of electrocution on June 15 when he accidentally touched an electric pole in Mahavir Enclave, Dabri in South West Delhi.

The incident reportedly occurred when Rajiv along with one Dhruba Sarkar was walking to the market around 01:30 PM with the entire street filled with water because of lack of proper drainage and maintenance. After walking a few meters, both of them felt electric current in the water.
As they tried to get out of it, Rajiv lost balance and reached for the pole, which was charged. Passersby pulled Rajiv away from the pole. He was rushed to the Bhagat Chandra Hospital where he was declared brought dead.
The residents also alleged that there were many loosely hanging wires but there was no action despite complaints to BSES, the statement said.

The Commission has observed that the contents of the press report, if true, raise a serious violation of human rights of the victim.