NHRC Probes Deaths and Illness at Indore Shelter Home
"Commission Seeks Detailed Report and Immediate Action Following Suspected Food Poisoning and Blood Infections"
Source: Press release National Human Rights Commission Images: Getty Images
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India has taken suo motu cognizance of media reports indicating that 30 children fell ill and five died at an Ashram in Indore district, Madhya Pradesh. The affected children, aged between 5 and 15 years, are mostly orphans, and blood infection and food poisoning are suspected causes. The Commission noted that if the media reports are accurate, they reveal a severe violation of the children’s human rights, emphasizing the Ashram management’s duty and the supervising government officers’ responsibility to ensure a safe environment with hygienic food and proper medical care.
In response, the NHRC has issued a notice to the Chief Secretary of the Government of Madhya Pradesh, requesting a detailed report on the incident within one week. This report should include the current health status of the hospitalized children and the treatment records of the five who died. The Commission also seeks information on measures taken to improve the overall conditions at the Ashram to prevent such incidents from recurring. Additionally, they have requested a specific report on the actions taken against an SDM reportedly suspended for insensitive behavior during the investigation at the shelter home.
Furthermore, the NHRC has tasked its Special Rapporteur, Shri Umesh Kumar Sharma, to visit the Shelter Home for a spot enquiry and to submit a report at the earliest.
