NHRC Takes Suo Motu Cognizance Of Electrocution Death At New Delhi Railway Station

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has recently taken suo motu cognizance of a media report concerning the electrocution death of a 35-year-old teacher at the premises of New Delhi railway station on June 25, 2023.

According to the report, she grasped an electric pole for support in a waterlogged area where people disembark from taxis on the Ajmeri Gate side of the New Delhi Railway Station. Her sister also suffered an electric shock while attempting to rescue her. The victim’s family has alleged that despite the police station being just a few meters away from the incident site, no assistance was provided promptly.

The NHRC has noted that if the information in the media report is accurate, it indicates a serious infringement of the human rights of the victim and her family. This violation is a result of the apparent negligence of the authorities, leading to waterlogging and exposed electrical wires. It appears that both the civic and electricity authorities, as well as the Railways, have failed to adequately address these life-threatening deficiencies at the New Delhi Railway Station, which is a highly crowded public space in the National Capital.

In accordance with this, notices have been issued by the NHRC to the Chairman of the Railway Board, Ministry of Railways, Chief Secretary of the Government of NCT of Delhi, and the Commissioner of Police, Delhi. The notices call for a comprehensive report on the matter within a period of 4 weeks. This report should include the current status of the filed First Information Report (FIR), actions taken against the negligent officers/officials, and any compensation provided to the affected family. Additionally, the Commission seeks information on the measures being implemented or planned by the authorities to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.

As per media reports published on June 26, 2023, the incident took place at approximately 5.30 a.m. on June 25, 2023. The family, residing in Preet Vihar, East Delhi, was en route to Chandigarh aboard the Vande Bharat Express. According to statements from the victim’s family members, she remained on the ground for a duration of 20-25 minutes until assistance arrived from some taxi and auto drivers. They managed to rescue the victim’s 9-year-old son and 7-year-old daughter, who were standing beside her. Subsequently, the victim was transported to the hospital in a taxi.