What Led to the NHRC's Call for a Report on a Labourer's Death in Rajasthan?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The NHRC has called for a report on a labourer's death in Ajmer.
- The incident raises serious concerns regarding worker safety.
- Compensation for the victim's family is being sought.
- The NHRC is holding an Open Hearing in Hyderabad to address human rights violations.
- Urgent reforms are needed to protect human rights in India.
New Delhi, July 26 (NationPress) The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has requested a detailed report from the Rajasthan government and the state police chief within a two-week timeframe regarding the tragic death of a 50-year-old labourer who was buried alive while excavating a sewer pit in Ajmer earlier this month, as confirmed by an official on Saturday.
The NHRC initiated this inquiry following a media report concerning the labourer who was working at a power plant site in Ajmer district on July 14.
It has been reported that the victim was digging a pit that was 30 feet deep when the unfortunate incident occurred.
The Commission noted that these allegations, if substantiated, represent a severe infringement of the victim's human rights.
Notices have been sent to both the Chief Secretary of Rajasthan and the Commissioner of Police in Ajmer, requesting a comprehensive report within 14 days, including information on any compensation offered to the deceased's family.
As per the media accounts published on July 15, the labourer was approximately 18 feet underground when the soil collapsed, trapping him. Fortunately, the other workers managed to escape unharmed.
Emergency responders, including police and Civil Defence personnel, arrived at the scene and worked tirelessly for about 6 to 7 hours to recover the victim. Following that, the body was sent for a post-mortem examination.
In related news, the NHRC has scheduled a two-day ‘Open Hearing and Camp Sitting’ in Hyderabad to address 109 reported cases of human rights violations in Telangana on July 28 and 29, aiming to facilitate justice for the affected individuals.
Chairperson Justice V. Ramasubramanian, alongside Members Justice (Dr) Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi and Vijaya Bharathi Sayani, will preside over these hearings at the MCR HRD Institute in Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, starting on July 28, 2025, at 10 a.m.
NHRC Secretary General Bharat Lal, Director General (Investigation) R.P. Meena, and other senior officials will also be present.
The cases set for discussion include allegations of police misconduct, denial of social welfare benefits, jail irregularities, negligence in protecting the rights of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, as well as concerns regarding the rights of students and women, particularly related to health issues faced by pregnant and lactating mothers, and trafficking.
On the subsequent day, the Commission will engage with senior state officials at 11 a.m. to raise awareness about various human rights issues and the necessity for swift justice for victims of human rights violations.