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
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.
Source: National Human Rights Commission, Case No. 15760/24/19/2025, order dated 12 August 2026.
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 |
| 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. |
| 2. This is for your information. |
Your’s faithfully      |
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