Haryana Human Rights Commission Orders Fresh Probe into Hansi Sewer Deaths
The Haryana Human Rights Commission (HHRC) has delivered a scathing critique of the police investigation into the tragic deaths of two sanitation workers in Hansi, ordering a complete re-examination of the case. The commission expressed strong dissatisfaction with the handling of the investigation and has directed senior police officials to conduct a fresh review.
Details of the Tragic Incident
Two sanitation workers, Virender and Sombir, allegedly lost their lives while cleaning a sewer line at a hotel in Hansi in October last year. The incident sparked immediate concern and led to the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) on October 19, 2025, under provisions of the SC/ST Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The complaint was filed by Sanjay, son of Virender, a resident of Jamawadi, against hotel owner Shyam Sunder Saini and his sons, Shivam and Mandeep. During the investigation, additional sections under the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and Their Rehabilitation Act, 2013, were invoked, though some sections were later deleted based on statements and legal opinions.
Commission's Strong Criticism of Police Investigation
After examining police reports and documents, the HHRC raised serious concerns about the investigation's credibility. The commission noted that the appointment letter of the hotel assistant manager, Sandeep, who was held accountable, was undated and appeared to have been issued after the accident.
This raised suspicion of an attempt to shift responsibility away from hotel owner Shyam Sunder, whom the commission prima facie described as the "actual culprit." The HHRC also questioned the impartiality of the investigation and expressed displeasure over legal opinions that diluted the offence without providing adequate reasons.
Key Directions from the Commission
The HHRC has issued several important directives:
- The Superintendent of Police, Hansi, must submit a detailed report after reviewing the case
- The SP must appear personally before the commission on the next hearing date scheduled for February 18
- The deputy superintendent of police who initially investigated the case must be present
- The deputy district attorney who rendered legal opinion must assist the commission
- The Hansi Municipal Council, concerned gram panchayat, and hotel management must submit reports as earlier directions were not complied with
Investigation Timeline and Current Status
During the investigation, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was constituted under the supervision of DSP Ravinder Singh. The SIT obtained legal opinion suggesting the invocation of Section 106 of the BNS, following which the case was finalized against Sandeep, assistant manager of the hotel.
The final investigation report has been submitted before the trial court, and the case is now fixed for hearing on April 4. However, the commission has granted the superintendent of police, Hansi, four weeks to re-examine the case and submit a comprehensive report.
Compensation and Broader Implications
The HHRC noted that compensation of Rs 30 lakh each has already been released to the families of both deceased workers under the Employees' Compensation Act. Despite this financial support, the commission emphasized that proper accountability and justice must be ensured.
The commission remarked that the investigation's shortcomings cast a "serious question mark" on the intentions and fairness of the investigating agency in a case where two innocent lives were lost. This case highlights ongoing concerns about worker safety and the need for thorough, impartial investigations in such tragic incidents.
