The NHRC has taken a strong stance on the assault and caste-based abuse of a Dalit student in Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh, for drinking from a water bottle, and the death of a girl in Haryana due to contaminated water. It has issued notices to both state governments.
New Delhi: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken a strong stance on the incident of assault and caste-based abuse against a Dalit fourth-grade student in a government school in Madhya Pradesh. The Commission has issued notices to the Madhya Pradesh government and police officials seeking responses in this serious matter.
This inhumane incident occurred on July 28th in Ukawal village, Shivpuri district. It is reported that a primary school teacher saw the child drinking from his bottle. Enraged, he not only brutally beat the innocent student but also hurled casteist abuse at him.
The Commission took suo motu cognizance of this incident through a news report published on August 1st. The human rights panel has clarified that if this report is true, it represents a very serious case of gross human rights violations. The victim child recounted his ordeal to his parents upon reaching home, following which the family filed a police complaint.
Given the seriousness of the matter, the NHRC has requested a detailed report from the state Chief Secretary and the Superintendent of Police (SP) of Shivpuri within two weeks. The Commission has also directed that this report should clearly state the statutory compensation and relief provided to the victim student.
Meanwhile, the Human Rights Commission has also issued a notice to the Haryana government in another tragic incident. This case is from Shahzadpur in Ambala district, where a 12-year-old girl died tragically after allegedly drinking contaminated water due to jaundice.
Local residents allege that the drinking water supplied from public taps in the area is completely contaminated. This toxic water has also caused several other children to contract jaundice and fall ill.
In light of this alarming situation, the Commission has sought a response from the Chief Secretary of Haryana within two weeks. Based on the report, which was released on August 3rd, the Commission has asked the administration what concrete steps are being taken to address the contaminated water problem. The report also sought information on the current health status of other sick children undergoing treatment.
The deceased girl was initially undergoing treatment for jaundice at a local hospital. When her condition worsened, doctors referred her to PGIMER, Chandigarh, where she succumbed to her injuries.
Rajan Chaudhary
Courtesy: Hindi News