'Gross Violation': Haryana Rights Panel Slams Saini Govt After Disabled Man Dies Of Electrocution

The HHRC condemned Haryana's government and power department for a disabled youth's electrocution due to an unfenced transformer. They demanded an FIR, district-wide transformer audit, and accountability from officials.

The Haryana Human Rights Commission (HHRC) has lashed out at the state government and the power department over the death of a disabled youth who was electrocuted earlier this year after he came into contact with an unfenced roadside transformer at the GT road in Sonipat. According to The Indian Express, the commission has also sought a status report from the Sonipat Police Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner by July 30.

The HHRC has ordered the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against the officials involved, besides conducting a district-wide audit of electricity transformers to prevent such incidents in the future. Rajneesh, following the incident on January 11, rushed to FIMS Hospital, but he was declared dead on arrival. Later, his uncle filed a complaint with the HHRC alleging that the transformer lacked adequate fencing and proper warning signage.

According to the report, Justice Lalit Batra, Chairperson of the Commission, termed the incident a “gross violation of human rights”. He also demanded “strict accountability from the Electricity Department and concerned authorities.”

“The incident reflects serious lapses in infrastructure safety and dereliction of duty by the responsible officials. The transformer was installed in a high-footfall pedestrian area without any protective barriers or warning indicators, putting public safety at serious risk. The absence of proper inspection, maintenance, and safety measures reveals administrative failure,” Justice Batra stated as quoted by The Indian Express.

The commission also highlighted the state’s heightened obligation to protect the dignity, safety and rights of persons with disabilities.

“The death of Mr Rajneesh due to the reckless installation and neglect of public utility infrastructure was preventable and unacceptable in a rights-based society,” the Commission observed.

Justice Batra, issuing directions to the concerned authorities, said, “The Electricity Department must conduct a time-bound, independent inquiry to identify lapses and fix responsibility; disciplinary and/or legal action must be initiated against officials who installed the transformer without required safety provisions”.

“The state government is directed to provide immediate interim compensation to the victim’s family in accordance with the principles of state liability and reparative justice,” the order added.