The People's Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR) acknowledges the conclusion of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) proceedings in Case No. 3231/4/28/2024, concerning the tragic electrocution incident that occurred in Dhankhada village, Sasaram (Rohtas), Bihar on 5 August 2024.
The complaint was filed by Lenin Raghuvanshi, Founder-Convener of PVCHR, on 6 August 2024, seeking an impartial inquiry into the death of Smt. Nisha Devi and injuries sustained by Smt. Babita Devi, who came into contact with a snapped live electric wire while cutting grass. The complaint alleged negligence on the part of the Electricity Department in maintaining the power infrastructure and demanded justice, accountability, and adequate compensation for the victims. The complaint details are reflected in the NHRC online diary.
NHRC's Timely Intervention
Recognizing the seriousness of the matter, the NHRC took cognizance of the complaint on 21 August 2024 and sought Action Taken Reports from the Energy Department, Government of Bihar, and the Superintendent of Police, Rohtas.
Following the Commission's directions, the South Bihar Power Distribution Company Limited (SBPDCL) conducted an inquiry through the competent authority. The inquiry confirmed that:
- Smt. Nisha Devi died due to electrocution.
- Smt. Babita Devi sustained burn injuries during the same incident.
Based on the inquiry, the Executive Engineer, Electricity Supply Division, Dehri, sanctioned ₹4,00,000 as ex gratia compensation to Shri Nand Baitha, husband and dependent of the deceased, through Office Order No. 366 dated 7 December 2024.
Regarding the injured victim, Smt. Babita Devi, the competent authority concluded that she had not suffered permanent physical disability as defined under the applicable compensation policy. Consequently, her claim for ex gratia compensation was rejected.
After examining the reports, the NHRC observed that the respondent authorities had taken appropriate action under the existing policy framework and therefore closed the case on 6 August 2026, stating that no further intervention of the Commission was required.
Justice Beyond Compensation
While the payment of compensation to the bereaved family is an important outcome, the incident once again highlights the urgent need for preventive action rather than merely post-incident relief.
Electrocution deaths caused by unattended or damaged electricity lines are preventable. Such incidents disproportionately affect rural communities, particularly women engaged in agricultural work and daily livelihood activities.
Public authorities must strengthen:
- Regular inspection and maintenance of electricity infrastructure.
- Prompt removal and repair of fallen or damaged power lines.
- Community-based reporting mechanisms for electrical hazards.
- Accountability for negligence that places citizens' lives at risk.
PVCHR's Commitment
This case demonstrates how timely intervention by citizens and civil society can ensure institutional accountability. Although the Commission has concluded its proceedings, PVCHR believes that every such tragedy should serve as a reminder that the right to life includes the right to safe public infrastructure.
PVCHR remains committed to standing with vulnerable communities, documenting rights violations, facilitating access to justice, and ensuring that victims and their families receive the protection and remedies guaranteed under the Constitution and the law.
Justice is not measured only by compensation—it is measured by preventing the next avoidable loss of life.
Date: Thu, Aug 6, 2026 at 4:32 PM
Subject: Concluded and No Further Action Required(CLD) -3231/4/28/2024
To: <pvchr.adv@gmail.com>
 |
| NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION |
| MANAV ADHIKAR BHAWAN BLOCK-C, GPO COMPLEX, INA, NEW DELHI- 110023 |
| Fax No.: 011-24651332 Website: www.nhrc.nic.in |
| (Law Division) |
| Case No.- 3231/4/28/2024 |
| Date : 06/08/2026 |
| To, |
LENIN RAGHUVNASHI |
| Subject: Concluded and No Further Action Required(CLD) -3231/4/28/2024. |
| Sir/ Madam, |
| With reference to your complaint/ intimation dated 06/08/2024. I am directed to say that the matter was considered by the Commission on 06/08/2026. The Commission has made the following directions: |
| The Commission, on 07.08.2024, received a complaint from Lenin Raghuvanshi, alleging that on 05.08.2024, one Smt. Nisha Devi died due to electrocution in village Dhankhada, Sasaram, Bihar, while another woman, Smt. Babita Devi, sustained burn injuries and is undergoing medical treatment. It has been alleged that both women came into contact with a snapped live electric wire while cutting grass, and that the incident occurred due to the negligence of the officials of the Electricity Department in failing to maintain the power line. The complainant has prayed for an impartial inquiry into the incident and the grant of adequate compensation to the next of kin of the deceased, as well as appropriate relief to the injured victim. |
| 2. This is for your information. |
Your’s faithfully |
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