The National Human Right Commission (NHRC) has directed the Odisha Chief Secretary to pay compensation of Rs 3 lakh each to the kin of four electrocution victims.
The NHRC passed the order taking cognisance of a petition filed by civil society organisation Human Rights Watch secretary Sangita Swain.
In her petition Swain had alleged that Damodar Bariha and Panchanana Bariha of Kurlubahal village under the Melchamunda police station in Bargarh district died due to snapping of unrepaired electric wires.
She alleged that this is violation of human rights due to inaction of the concerned authorities.
In another case, one Arun Gupta and Mina Sahu of village Trinath Nagar in Bargarh district died after an unrepaired 11 KV wire fell on their house. She alleged that this violation of human rights.
The NHRC considered the report and said prima facie, there is dereliction of duty on the part of officials of Energy Department and thus the State is vicariously liable.
The NHRC directed the Chief Secretary to pay a sum of Rs 3 lakh each to the kin of the deceased and submit proof of payment within six weeks.
