NHRC Summons Noida Police Commissioner Over Handling of Child Death Case
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has raised a critical question about whether financial compensation can absolve criminal negligence, summoning Noida Police Commissioner Laxmi Singh to explain why no First Information Report (FIR) was registered following the death of a six-year-old boy in a wall collapse incident last year in Greater Noida.
Tragic Incident in Saini Village
The incident occurred on May 19, 2025, when young Ahaan was heading to a shop near his home in Saini village within the Ecotech 3 area. A portion of his neighbor's house suddenly caved in, burying the child under debris. Despite receiving medical treatment, Ahaan succumbed to his injuries.
Following the tragedy, human rights activist Rajeev Kumar Sharma filed a petition before the NHRC, seeking both compensation for the grieving family and registration of a culpable homicide case against the house owner.
Activist Challenges Police Approach
Sharma emphasized to media outlets that this was not merely a private dispute that could be resolved through monetary settlement. "A six-year-old child died due to alleged negligence, and the law clearly mandates the registration of an FIR and a fair investigation," he stated. "By permitting a Rs 2 lakh compromise and closing the case without criminal proceedings, the police have failed in their statutory duty."
He further warned that such approaches erode public trust in the justice system and create a dangerous perception that accountability can be purchased.
NHRC's Investigation and Findings
During proceedings on June 3, 2025, the NHRC issued a notice to the district magistrate, demanding a detailed inquiry into the incident with a report due within four weeks. The Deputy Commissioner of Police submitted this report, along with a statement from the Assistant Commissioner of Police for Central Noida, to the commission on September 8 last year.
In their response, police authorities indicated that the accused house owner had paid Rs 2 lakh to the child's family and reached a settlement, therefore deeming no further legal action necessary.
The NHRC carefully examined the police report and observed significant omissions. The commission noted that apart from mentioning monetary compensation, the report failed to indicate any FIR registration under relevant legal sections, including Section 106 (causing death by negligence) and Section 290 (negligent conduct concerning building construction or demolition).
Commission's Strong Rebuke
"Furthermore, the authority concerned, without considering the applicability of the relevant law(s) in the present case, stated that a compromise was arrived at between the parties and no further action is required," the NHRC noted in its observations.
In a decisive move on Tuesday, the commission declared that the death of a minor could not be legally closed based solely on a monetary compromise. The NHRC directed Police Commissioner Laxmi Singh to appear personally before the commission on April 6 with all investigation records pertaining to the case.
A copy of this order was also sent to the Director General of Police, informing him of the commission's serious concerns regarding how local police handled this sensitive case.
Broader Implications for Justice System
This case highlights fundamental questions about justice administration and police accountability in matters involving vulnerable victims. The NHRC's intervention underscores that certain offenses, particularly those resulting in loss of life, cannot be treated as civil disputes subject to private settlement.
The commission's actions signal a firm stance against what it perceives as procedural lapses that could undermine both legal mandates and public confidence in law enforcement institutions.
