The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought action taken reports (ATR) from the Secretary, Higher Education department and the Superintendent of Police of Keonjhar district pertaining to a mishap where 40 students were injured including five students critically of Dharanidhar Autonomous College, when a portion of a newly constructed college building caved on August 23 last.
The apex human rights watch dog passed the order while acting on a petition filed by rights activist Radhakanta Tripathy from Bhadrak. More than 100 students were standing in front of the building at around 11 am when the mishap occurred. The injured students were identified as Jenamani Sardar and Sabita Badra of Plus Three first-year arts, Sangita Majhi and Bhuban Munda of Plus Two second-year arts and Debasish Moharana of Plus Two second-year science.
The Public Works Department was carrying out the Rs 3.05 crore project. The walls and beams of the building caved in due to poor standard construction. Many students of the college had gheraoed the district collectorate at Keonjhar protesting the poor quality works.
Activist Radhakant had requested the NHRC to investigate the case and take appropriate action against the errant officials and provide best treatment free of cost to the injured ones and provide all the victims adequate compensation. He also had sought a direction to the State Government to ensure quality construction so that such incidents did not recur.
The NHRC also marked a copy of its order to the Inspector General of Police, Human Rights Protection Cell of Odisha.