Holding the State Government and concerned power distribution companies responsible for two electrocution deaths, one in Khordha district and another in Keonjhar, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought replies from the Chief Secretary as to why compensation would not be paid to the next of kin of the deceased.
One Rajkishore Paikray (55) of Haripur Nuagaon under Tangi block of Khordha district had died on January 21, 2013 as a live electric wire snapped over him while he was engaged as a labourer in a building construction work.
In the other case, Usha Nayak (50) of Pratapasi
village under Champua
police limits in Keonjhar district died on October 7, 2013 after coming in contact
with a snapped electric
wire.
Human rights activist Akhand had brought both the incidents to the notice of the NHRC.
Considering Akhand’s appeal, the NHRC had served notices in both the cases to the Energy Secretary seeking replies. The Energy Department had later sent its investigation reports to the commission.
Adjudicating both the cases after going through the reports provided by the Energy department, the commission has held the State Government or the concerned power distribution company responsible for the
two deaths.
The National Human Rights commission (NHRC) has asked the State Chief Secretary to replay within six weeks as to why a suitable monetary compensation/relief of `1 lakh would not be paid by the State Government or electricity corporation of the State Government to the next of the kin of the deceased Rajkishore Paikray of Khordha district.
In the Keonjhar case, the commission has asked the Chief Secretary to show cause within eight weeks why recommendations for payment of relief to the next of kin of the victim Usha Nayak should not be made.
The deaths due to electrolucation have been on rise in the State owing.