The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought details of investigation from the district Collector and the Superintendent of Police, Baleswar, after it received a report from the Secretary, Energy, on the electrocution death and injury during Rath Yatra in Baleswar district.

Acting on a petition filed by rights activist and lawyer Radhakanta Tripathy, the NHRC passed the order.

Pursuant to a direction of the NHRC, a report dated August 22, 2022 was received from the Special Secretary, Energy Department, Odisha. As per same, the incident happened due to utter carelessness and negligence of the local Rath Yatra Committee. It was also stated that an FIR has been lodged by the father of the deceased. However, the district Collector and SP are yet to file their reports in the case.

Let a fresh reminder be issued to the duo, district collector and SP to submit the requisite reports in terms of the above mentioned proceedings within four weeks positively failing which the Commission will be constrained to invoke its coercive powers u/s 13 of the PHR Act, 1993.

Notably, one Anil Kumar Sahu of Agarada village died on July 1, 2022, on account of electrocution during Rath Yatra celebration at Gudikhala mutt under Basta police station of Baleswar district. The mishap occurred when the residents of Khudial village were pulling a chariot to celebrate the Rath Yatra and the metallic part of the chariot came in contact with an 11KV electric wire, leaving one dead and eight others critically injured. The complainant alleged that the accident happened on account of inaction, negligence and failure on part of officials of the Energy Department and district administration.

The NHRC also warned the district Collector and SP of coercive action in case of failure in submission of reports.