National Human Rights Commission Demands Action Report on Koraput Transformer Death
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken decisive action following the tragic electrocution of a 30-year-old man in Odisha's Koraput district. The commission has formally directed state authorities to submit detailed action taken reports concerning the incident, which allegedly occurred due to an unprotected electricity transformer.
Complaint Details and Commission's Order
The NHRC issued this significant order on Monday after carefully reviewing a complaint filed by Jeypore-based human rights activist and advocate Anup Kumar Patra on October 11, 2025. According to the complaint, Iswar Hikoka lost his life on October 1, 2025, in Mathiliamba village under the jurisdiction of Laxmipur police station.
The core allegation centers on the electricity department's failure to construct a protective boundary wall around a transformer, leaving it dangerously exposed without mandatory safety measures. Patra emphasized that this exposed transformer created a serious and ongoing threat to local residents' safety.
Alleged Violation of Constitutional Rights
In his submission, the complainant framed the incident as a direct violation of Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees the fundamental right to life. He accused officials of "gross negligence, delinquency and irresponsibility" in their duty to maintain public safety infrastructure.
The complaint further outlined established electrical safety norms, which mandate that transformers must either be secured at a prescribed minimum distance from public access areas or be completely isolated using protective, fire-rated barriers. These measures are specifically designed to prevent accidental contact and mitigate fire hazards.
NHRC's Directives and Next Steps
In response, the NHRC has instructed its registry to forward the complaint to several key officials, including:
- The Chief Secretary of Odisha
- The Collector and District Magistrate of Koraput
- The Superintendent of Police (SP) of Koraput
The commission has demanded detailed action taken reports from these authorities within four weeks of receiving its official communication. This step underscores the NHRC's proactive approach in addressing potential human rights violations stemming from administrative negligence.
Beyond seeking accountability, advocate Anup Kumar Patra has also urged the commission to recommend adequate compensation for the deceased man's next of kin. He insists that the electricity department must be held fully accountable for the alleged safety lapse that led to this preventable tragedy.
This case highlights critical issues of infrastructure safety and governmental accountability in protecting citizens' fundamental rights. The NHRC's intervention marks a crucial step toward ensuring justice and preventing similar incidents in the future.
