The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought an Action Taken Report (ATR) from the Odisha government regarding the death of a 12-year-old boy who was allegedly electrocuted after stepping onto a live wire connected to an irrigation motor in Nabarangpur district.
Complaint and NHRC Response
Taking cognisance of a complaint filed by Jeypore-based human rights activist and advocate Anup Kumar Patro, the commission has directed the state energy department to submit the ATR within four weeks. The complaint was placed before the NHRC on May 29, and the commission subsequently issued directions to the secretary of the energy department, Odisha government.
Details of the Incident
According to the complaint, the victim, Abhiram Jani (12), son of Bingu Jani, was grazing cattle in a maize field at Paujhuri village under Pattakhalia panchayat in Chandahandi block on October 12, 2025. He allegedly came in contact with a live electric wire connected to an irrigation pump and died on the spot.
Patro alleged in his complaint that the tragedy occurred due to negligence on the part of electricity department officials, claiming that an exposed live wire had been left in an agricultural field without adequate safety measures. The complaint described the death as preventable and termed it a serious violation of the child's right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution.
NHRC Directive
After examining the complaint, the NHRC ordered that a copy be forwarded to the secretary of the state energy department for necessary action. The commission has asked the department to furnish details of the measures taken in the matter and submit its findings within the stipulated period.
The NHRC's intervention underscores the importance of accountability in ensuring public safety and preventing such tragic incidents. The commission's directive aims to ensure that appropriate actions are taken to address the alleged negligence and to prevent future occurrences.
