NHRC issues notice to MP govt over assault on Dalit student

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report detailing the alleged assault and casteist slurs directed at a Class 4 Dalit student by a teacher in Shivpuri district, Madhya Pradesh. The commission has issued notices to the state's chief secretary and the superintendent of police in Shivpuri, demanding a detailed report within two weeks. The incident reportedly took place on July 28 in Ukawal village.

According to the report, the teacher was incensed when the boy, belonging to the Dalit community, drank water from his personal bottle. The NHRC observed that if the news report is accurate, it signifies serious violations of human rights. The expected report should include the status of statutory relief provided to the victim.

In a separate but related matter concerning public health and human rights, the NHRC has also issued a notice to the Haryana government. This follows a media report about the death of a 12-year-old girl in Ambala district due to jaundice, allegedly caused by contaminated drinking water. Several other children in the same locality have also been diagnosed with jaundice, with residents complaining about the quality of water supplied through a public tap.

The NHRC has requested a detailed report from Haryana's chief secretary within two weeks, focusing on the health status of the affected children undergoing treatment and the steps the administration is taking to resolve the issue. The girl was initially treated locally for jaundice, but her condition worsened, leading to her referral to PGIMER, Chandigarh, where she ultimately succumbed.