Odisha Human Rights Commission Mandates Compensation for Fatal Police Recruitment Incident
The Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) has issued a landmark order, recommending a compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the family of Harekrishna Sahu, a young man who tragically lost his life while participating in a state-conducted police recruitment process on January 22, 2017. This decision underscores the commission's commitment to upholding human rights and ensuring accountability in government procedures.
Details of the Tragic Event and Legal Proceedings
The commission passed this significant order on January 27 of this year, following a petition filed by Muralidhar Sahu, the father of the deceased, who hails from Meramundali in Dhenkanal district. According to the petition, Harekrishna Sahu, aged approximately 20 years, was appearing in the recruitment process for the post of constable in the 9th IR Battalion (Special).
During the physical endurance test, which included a 1,600-meter run conducted at ground-2 of OSAP (6th Battalion) in Cuttack, the candidate collapsed immediately after completing the run at around 5:23 pm. The collapse occurred within the recruitment premises while Harekrishna was under the direct supervision and control of the police establishment conducting the test. He subsequently died on January 23, 2017, during the course of medical treatment.
Commission's Investigation and Ruling
The OHRC issued notices to the Director General of Police and all concerned authorities to investigate the matter. In response, the police submitted a report stating that there was no negligence on their part and that no provision for compensation existed in such death cases. However, after thoroughly reviewing the police report, post-mortem findings, and various legal precedents, the commission held that the principle of 'strict liability' applies to the state government.
The commission firmly concluded that the deceased's family is entitled to compensation due to the state's responsibility in ensuring the safety and well-being of candidates during recruitment processes.
Compensation and Additional Directives
In its order, the OHRC recommended that the state government pay a sum of Rs 10 lakh as compensation to Harekrishna Sahu's parents. The amount must be paid within eight weeks from the date of receipt of the order, along with interest at the rate of 6% per annum, calculated from January 23, 2017, until the date of actual payment. Additionally, the commission suggested that the daughter of the complainant be considered for employment in the police establishment on compassionate grounds.
Preventive Measures for Future Recruitment Drives
To prevent similar incidents in the future, the OHRC issued a series of directives aimed at enhancing safety protocols during recruitment processes. These include:
- Mandatory pre-medical fitness screening of all candidates appearing in physical tests.
- Deployment of ambulances equipped with life-support facilities and qualified medical personnel at all recruitment venues.
- Framing and strict enforcement of standard operating procedures for handling medical emergencies.
- Coordination with nearby government hospitals to ensure prompt medical assistance.
- Training and sensitization of recruitment staff to handle emergencies effectively.
- Fixation of accountability in cases of deviation from prescribed protocols.
The home department and the Director General of Police have been instructed to submit a compliance report within three months of receiving this order, ensuring that these measures are implemented promptly.
This case highlights the critical need for robust safety measures in government recruitment processes and reinforces the role of human rights commissions in protecting citizens from preventable tragedies.
