NHRC Concludes Case on Death of Tara Devi Due to Lightning in Chandauli; Family Received ₹4 Lakh Ex-Gratia Relief

Link: 

 https://www.scribd.com/document/1073770247/NHRC-Concludes-Case-on-Death-of-Tara-Devi-Due-to-Lightning-in-Chandauli-Family-Received-4-Lakh-Ex-Gratia-Relief

National Human Rights Commission finds no further intervention necessary after confirming disaster relief to deceased woman's family

Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has concluded a case concerning the death of Tara Devi, a resident of Maharathpur village in Chandauli district, Uttar Pradesh, who died after being struck by lightning while transplanting paddy in July 2025.

The case, NHRC Case No. 15760/24/19/2025, was brought to the attention of the Commission through an intimation/complaint dated 19 July 2025, seeking an investigation and monetary relief for the family of the deceased.

According to the NHRC's order dated 12 August 2026, the Commission considered the matter after receiving a report from the District Magistrate, Chandauli, dated 1 June 2026.

Death confirmed due to lightning strike

The District Magistrate's report, following an inquiry conducted through the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Chakia, confirmed that Tara Devi, wife of late Ramlagan, died on 13 July 2025 due to a lightning strike.

The report stated that the matter had been verified through on-site inspection and examination of relevant records.

The Commission noted that Tara Devi had reportedly been struck by lightning while transplanting paddy and was subsequently taken to a Primary Health Centre, where she was declared dead on arrival.

₹4 lakh ex-gratia assistance paid to family

A significant finding recorded by the NHRC was that the next of kin (NOK) of Tara Devi had already received ₹4,00,000 (Rupees Four Lakh) as ex-gratia assistance under the applicable disaster relief provisions.

The Commission observed that the District Magistrate's report confirmed both the circumstances of Tara Devi's death and the payment of the relief amount to her family.

After considering the material placed before it, the NHRC concluded that further intervention was not required and directed that the case be closed.

The Commission's communication, issued by Atul Kumar, Assistant Registrar (Law), M-5 Section, stated that the complainant should be informed accordingly.

PVCHR's role in seeking accountability and relief

The case reflects the importance of bringing incidents affecting vulnerable families to the attention of human rights institutions and ensuring that appropriate government mechanisms respond to such deaths.

For PVCHR, human rights protection includes not only addressing cases of custodial violence, torture and discrimination but also ensuring that families affected by preventable hardship, disasters and other forms of vulnerability are able to access state protection, relief and dignity.

The conclusion of the case also demonstrates the importance of institutional verification. The NHRC sought a report from the district administration, which subsequently verified the circumstances of the death and the relief provided to the deceased woman's family.

A human rights perspective

Lightning-related deaths are often experienced most severely by families dependent on agriculture and daily wage labour, where loss of an earning member can have long-term social and economic consequences.

Ensuring timely disaster relief is therefore an important component of protecting the dignity and livelihood security of affected families.

PVCHR welcomes the confirmation that the deceased woman's family received the prescribed ₹4 lakh ex-gratia relief and appreciates the NHRC's intervention in seeking verification of the complaint.

At the same time, such cases underline the need for continued awareness regarding lightning safety, early warnings, disaster preparedness and rapid access to emergency healthcare, particularly for agricultural workers and rural communities.

NHRC Case Details

Case Number: 15760/24/19/2025

Date of Complaint: 19 July 2025

Date of NHRC Consideration: 12 August 2026

Date of District Magistrate's Report: 1 June 2026

District: Chandauli, Uttar Pradesh

Deceased: Tara Devi, wife of late Ramlagan

Date of Death: 13 July 2025

Cause of Death: Lightning strike

Relief Paid: ₹4,00,000 under disaster relief

Status: Closed – No Further Action Required (CLD)

Conclusion

The NHRC's order brings the matter to a formal conclusion after confirming the death and the payment of ex-gratia relief to Tara Devi's next of kin.

For PVCHR, the case reinforces a fundamental principle: the dignity and rights of vulnerable families must remain at the centre of public institutions, disaster response and human rights protection.

People's Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR)

Jan Mitra Nyas (JMN)

Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India

Source: National Human Rights Commission, Case No. 15760/24/19/2025, order dated 12 August 2026.

From: <nhrc.india@nic.in>
Date: Wed, Aug 12, 2026 at 9:01 PM
Subject: Concluded and No Further Action Required(CLD) -15760/24/19/2025
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.- 15760/24/19/2025

---

Date : 12/08/2026

To,

LENIN RAGHUVANSHI SA 4/2A DAULATPUR, VARANASI VARANASI , UTTAR PRADESH 221002 Email- pvchr.adv@gmail.com , Mob No- 9935599331

Subject: Concluded and No Further Action Required(CLD) -15760/24/19/2025.

Sir/ Madam,

With reference to your complaint/ intimation dated 19/07/2025. I am directed to say that the matter was considered by the Commission on 12/08/2026. The Commission has made the following directions:

The complainant alleges that one Tara Devi was struck by lightning while planting paddy in Maharathpur village, Chandauli district, Uttar Pradesh. She was taken to the Primary Health Center but was declared dead on arrival. The complainant requests the Commission to investigate and provide compensation to the victim's family. Pursuant to the direction of the Commission, the District Magistrate, Chandauli, submitted report dated 01.06.2026, wherein it is stated that the matter was investigated through the SDM, Chakia. It is submitted that after on-site inspection and record verification, it was found that Tara Devi, wife of late Ramlagan, died due to a lightning strike on 13.07.2025. In this case, the beneficiary has already been paid an ex-gratia amount of Rs. 4,00,000/- (Rupees Four Lakh only) under disaster relief. The Commission has considered the material placed on record. The complainant sought an intervention of the Commission for providing monetary relief to the NOK of deceased victim namely Tara Devi who was reportedly died due to lightning strike while transplanting paddy. The submitted report confirmed the submission of the complainant and revealed that an ex-gratia amount of Rs. 4,00,000/- (Rupees Four Lakh only) under disaster relief, has been paid to the NOK of deceased victim. In view thereof, further intervention of the Commission is not required. The case is closed. Inform the complainant accordingly.

2.      This is for your information.

Your’s faithfully Sd/- Atul Kumar ASSISTANT REGISTRAR (LAW) M-5 Section Ph. No. 011-24663287

A Name Is the First Right to Dignity: Children, Education and Identity in Varanasi

A school uniform may appear to be a simple piece of clothing. But for a child growing up in a marginalised community, receiving a uniform can represent something much larger: belonging, confidence, recognition and the possibility of a different future.

On 7 August 2026, Jan Mitra Nyas (JMN) organised an education-support activity for young children and their families in a community in Varanasi. The children came together with their parents, community members and social workers for learning activities and distribution of educational and school-support materials.

The initiative was supported by the Jiv Daya Foundation, which provided summer uniforms for 110 children. The beneficiary details included 15 boys below three years, 12 girls below three years, 52 boys aged three to five years and 31 girls aged three to five years.

The support included yellow T-shirts, navy-blue track pants, shorts and sandals, with 110 sets/pairs of the relevant items dispatched for the children. The consignment was dispatched on 30 July 2026, and Jiv Daya Foundation covered the uniform and freight costs in advance.

But the most important message of the day was not about the uniforms.

It was about names.

“Please call your children by their names.”

During the interaction with parents, Mangala Rajbhar, Senior Social Worker, Jan Mitra Nyas, shared a simple but deeply meaningful message:

“Please use the name of your child. A name gives a child identity, recognition and dignity.”

For children from historically marginalised communities, this message carries particular importance.

Children can too easily become identified through labels—poverty, caste, occupation, migration, family circumstances or other social categories. Such labels may describe a social condition, but they should never replace the child's individual identity.

A child is not a “poor child”.

A child is not a “Musahar child” before being a person.

A child is not defined by the occupation of their parents.

A child has a name. A child has a personality. A child has dreams. A child has rights.

Calling a child by their own name is therefore a small but significant act of recognition.

Education is also about dignity

At JMN, education is understood not simply as learning letters and numbers. It is also about creating an environment in which children develop confidence, self-respect and a sense of belonging.

The photographs from the 7 August activity show children participating in learning activities, sitting together with educational materials, and proudly holding their new uniforms.

These moments may appear ordinary, but they are important building blocks of social change.

A uniform can help a child feel ready for school.

A school bag can make learning more accessible.

A learning session can encourage curiosity.

A supportive parent can strengthen a child's confidence.

And calling a child by their own name can affirm: “You are seen. You are recognised. You matter.”

From beneficiaries to rights-holders

The partnership represented by this support is therefore not merely about distributing material assistance.

The larger objective is to strengthen children's access to education, dignity and opportunity while working alongside families and communities.

The support from Jiv Daya Foundation enabled JMN to provide uniforms and sandals to 110 young children. The accompanying communication also requested that photographs of the children wearing the uniforms be shared after distribution for records and reporting.

For JMN, however, documentation should go hand in hand with respect for the identity and dignity of every child.

A culture of recognition

The intervention reminds us that meaningful development is often built through seemingly small actions.

A child receives a uniform.

A parent participates.

A teacher opens a book.

A social worker listens.

A community comes together.

And a parent learns to call their child by their own name.

Together, these acts contribute to a culture in which children are not seen merely as recipients of assistance, but as individual human beings with rights, identities and aspirations.

The message from Mangala Rajbhar is therefore much larger than a request about language.

It is a message about how we see children.

When we use a child's name, we recognise the person.

When we listen to a child, we recognise their voice.

When we educate a child, we recognise their potential.

And when we respect a child's dignity, we help create the foundation for a more equal society.

Dignity begins with a name

The gathering in Varanasi on 7 August 2026 was a reminder that social transformation does not always begin with something grand.

Sometimes it begins with a simple sentence:

“What is your name?”

And then, even more importantly:

“Please call your child by their name.”

Because every child deserves to grow up knowing that they are someone—not merely someone’s child, someone from a particular community, or someone from a particular social background, but an individual with a name, identity, dignity and future.

Dignity begins with recognition.

And sometimes, recognition begins with saying a child's name.

— Jan Mitra Nyas (JMN), Varanasi

NHRC Closes Electrocution Death Case After Ensuring Compensation for Victim's Family: A Step Towards Accountability

 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.

From: <nhrc.india@nic.in>
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 SA4/2A DAULATPUR VARANASI VARANASI , UTTAR PRADESH 221002 Email- pvchr.adv@gmail.com , Mob No- 9935599331

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. The Commission took cognizance of the matter on 21.08.2024 and directed the Secretary, Energy Department, Govt of Bihar and the SP, Rohtas, Bihar to submit an action taken report. In pursuance thereof, an action taken report was submitted by the South Bihar Power Distribution Company Limited (SBPDCL) which states that the complaint pertains to an incident of electrocution falling within the jurisdiction of the Electricity Supply Division, Dehri. The report reveals that the case relates to an incident in which Smt. Nisha Devi, wife of Shri Nand Baitha, died due to electrocution, while Smt. Babita Devi, wife of Shri Harendra Baitha, sustained burn injuries. The matter was examined by the competent authority in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Bihar State Power (Holding) Company Limited for disposal of electrocution cases. The report further states that, after inquiry, the committee constituted at the level of the Electricity Supply Division, Dehri, recommended payment of compensation in respect of the deceased. Accordingly, the Executive Engineer, Electricity Supply Division, Dehri, vide Office Order No. 366 dated 07.12.2024, sanctioned an ex gratia compensation of Rs.4,00,000/- in favour of Shri Nand Baitha, the husband and dependent of the deceased, Smt. Nisha Devi. It is further reported that Cheque No. 080848 dated 07.12.2024 was issued towards the sanctioned amount. With regard to the claim of the injured, Smt. Babita Devi, the report states that the competent authority found that she had not suffered any permanent physical injury attributable to the incident. Accordingly, her claim for ex-gratia compensation was rejected in terms of the applicable policy. The Commission has carefully considered the report submitted by the South Bihar Power Distribution Company Limited. The report reveals that, pursuant to the inquiry conducted by the competent authority, ex-gratia compensation of Rs.4,00,000/- has been sanctioned and paid to Shri Nand Baitha, the husband and dependent of the deceased, Smt. Nisha Devi, who died due to electrocution. The report further states that the claim of the injured person, Smt. Babita Devi, was rejected by the competent authority as she did not suffer any permanent physical injury entitling her to ex-gratia compensation under the applicable policy. The appropriate action has been taken by the respondent authority. No further intervention of the Commission is called for. Accordingly, the case is closed.

2.      This is for your information.

Your’s faithfully Sd/- Indrajeet Kumar JOINT REGISTRAR (LAW) M-2 Section Ph. No. 011-24663276

 A Humanitarian Appeal for Justice: Standing with Palestinian Child Mohammed Humaid

By People's Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR)

The People's Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR) has always believed that the dignity and rights of every child must be protected, irrespective of nationality, religion, ethnicity, or political circumstances. Every child deserves safety, healthcare, education, family care, and protection from violence.

Recently, the Embassy of the State of Palestine in New Delhi shared information regarding the case of Mohammed Humaid, a 16-year-old Palestinian minor, whose reported treatment while in detention has raised profound humanitarian concerns.

According to the information communicated by the Embassy, Mohammed was reportedly arrested in February 2026 and detained at Ofer Military Prison. During his detention, he is reported to have contracted scabies, which allegedly developed into a severe bloodstream infection affecting his brain and other vital organs. His condition reportedly became life-threatening, requiring emergency hospitalization at Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem.

The information further states that while receiving medical treatment, Mohammed remained handcuffed to his hospital bed for several days, and his parents were initially denied permission to visit him. Following judicial intervention, he was reportedly released from custody, allowing his family to reunite with him.

These reported circumstances remind us that children living in situations of armed conflict remain among the most vulnerable members of society. International humanitarian law and international human rights standards recognize that children require special protection, particularly when deprived of their liberty or affected by conflict.

A Humanitarian Perspective

PVCHR approaches this matter from a humanitarian standpoint. Our concern is not driven by politics but by the universal principle that every child's life and dignity are equally valuable.

Wherever children are exposed to violence, prolonged detention, denial of family contact, or inadequate medical care, there is a collective responsibility to ensure that their rights are respected and their welfare remains paramount.

Our Appeal

PVCHR respectfully calls upon all concerned authorities, national institutions, international organizations, and humanitarian actors to support:

• Protection of the rights and dignity of children in situations of conflict.
• Access to timely and adequate medical treatment for all detained children.
• Respect for children's right to family contact.
• Independent humanitarian monitoring of detention conditions involving minors.
• Peaceful dialogue and adherence to international humanitarian and human rights obligations.

Human Dignity Has No Borders

For nearly three decades, PVCHR has worked to defend human dignity and support survivors of violence, torture, discrimination, and exploitation. Our commitment extends beyond geographical boundaries because the suffering of one child is a concern for humanity as a whole.

We believe that safeguarding children's rights is essential for building lasting peace and justice. Every child deserves compassion, protection, and hope for the future.

"Every child deserves dignity. Every child deserves protection. Every child deserves a future."

People's Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR)

Varanasi, India

From Assessment to Action: Transforming the Lives of 110 Musahar Children through Nutrition and Education

Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh | May–July 2026

On 28 May 2026, Ms. Aparna Singh conducted an extensive field visit to the villages of Anei, Dallipur, Barhikala, and Hamirapur in Varanasi district to assess the nutritional and educational needs of children from the Musahar community, one of India's most marginalized communities. During her visit, she met with mothers, Anganwadi workers, village volunteers, and community leaders, while observing the living conditions and interacting directly with young children.

The assessment highlighted serious concerns regarding malnutrition, poor preschool attendance, limited access to nutritious food, and the absence of quality early childhood education. Many children under the age of five were found to be vulnerable to undernutrition and lacked opportunities for structured learning that would prepare them for primary school. The visit reinforced the urgent need for a community-based intervention combining nutrition with early education.

Based on the findings of this field assessment, Jan Mitra Nyas, in partnership with the Jiv Daya Foundation (JDF), USA, officially launched the Pre-School Nutrition and Education Initiative on 21 July 2026 across all four villages. The one-year programme aims to improve the health, nutrition, and school readiness of 110 children aged six months to five years through a comprehensive package of nutrition and early learning support. The initiative is supported under a grant to provide daily milk, biscuits, and educational activities for children in the four selected villages.

At the heart of the programme is the daily provision of 150 ml of nutritious milk prepared from Amul Spray milk powder, complemented by biscuits and interactive learning sessions. Developed through Jiv Daya Foundation's research, the nutrition model provides essential protein, carbohydrates, fats, and micronutrients required for healthy growth while simultaneously promoting cognitive and social development through preschool education.

Every morning, children gather at community learning centres where trained village volunteers prepare and distribute fresh milk in a hygienic environment. Following the nutrition session, children participate in age-appropriate learning activities, including alphabets, numbers, colours, shapes, songs, storytelling, and creative play. The programme also encourages good hygiene practices, regular attendance, parental involvement, and continuous monitoring of children's growth and development.

A major milestone of the initiative was achieved with the distribution of school bags and educational kits to all 110 children from Musahar families. The kits included slates, books, stationery, writing practice books, colouring books, chalk, and board books, ensuring that every child has the essential learning materials needed to begin their educational journey. The educational support, valued at ₹75,350, was donated by the Jiv Daya Foundation and formally acknowledged by Jan Mitra Nyas.

The programme has brought together mothers, Anganwadi workers, village volunteers, and community leaders, creating a strong local support system that places children's health and education at the centre of community development. Through daily reporting, regular health assessments, and active parental participation, the initiative ensures transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement.

The field visit by Ms. Aparna Singh on 28 May 2026 served as the turning point that transformed a needs assessment into meaningful action. Today, the Pre-School Nutrition and Education Initiative stands as a powerful example of how collaborative efforts between Jan Mitra Nyas, Jiv Daya Foundation, and local communities can create lasting change for some of the most disadvantaged children in rural Uttar Pradesh. By combining daily nutrition, early childhood education, community participation, and educational support, the programme is giving 110 Musahar children a healthier start, greater confidence, and a stronger foundation for lifelong learning.