Bhubaneswar: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought a detailed report from the Odisha Chief Secretary and the Superintendent of Police of Kalahandi district over the death of six people allegedly due to asphyxiation inside a septic tank.
The apex human rights body has directed the authorities to submit the report within two weeks.
The incident took place on May 26 in Gauda Karlakhunta village of Kalahandi district when masons had opened a septic tank for construction-related work. According to reports, one worker accidentally fell into the tank, following which others entered the chamber in an attempt to rescue him. They allegedly inhaled toxic fumes inside the tank, leading to the deaths.
Taking suo motu cognisance of the incident, the NHRC observed that the deaths raised a serious concern regarding violation of human rights.
“Therefore, the NHRC has issued notices to the chief secretary, Government of Odisha, and the Superintendent of Police, Kalahandi, seeking a detailed report on the matter within two weeks,” an official release stated.
The Commission said the report should contain details regarding the status of the investigation into the incident, the condition of the injured worker, and compensation disbursed to the victims’ families.
The tragic incident has once again highlighted concerns over unsafe sanitation practices and the absence of adequate safety measures during septic tank operations.
