The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought action taken report (ATR) from the Odisha police in a building collapse case in Puri.
Acting on a complaint of human rights activist Akhand of the India Media Centre, the NHRC has directed the Puri district Superintendent of Police to submit the response within four weeks.
Four persons, including two minor girls, were killed when a two-storey building collapsed on September 8 in Puri. The building was about 100 years old and was in a dilapidated condition. It collapsed when 10 people were sleeping inside it. This building was being used as a lodge by the owner.
The deceased included Swetswini Barik (11), Ashamani Barik (55), Sulachana Das (58) and Nikita Das (4). Six others were also injured in the incident.
The victims had come from Agatamala village in Baleswar district and were staying in that lodge.
There are hundreds of such old and dilapidated buildings in this old pilgrim town, which are completely unsafe for stay. Many of these buildings are mutts, where pilgrims prefer to stay since the rent is cheaper in comparison to inns and hotels.
Most of these old structures are on the verge of collapse. But neither the owners nor the Government is concerned about their demolition or renovation, alleged Akhand.
The Puri Municipality authorities don’t also seem to be serious about the pilgrims’ safety and security.
Putting up a caution notice does not serve the purpose one bit. Even the notice board
was not there in this ill-
fated building.
The petitioner has prayed for a compensation of `5 lakh to each victim’s family and action against the
guilty officials.