NHRC calls Jhansi fire tragedy ‘disturbing’, seeks report from UP govt in a week

Describing the reports of the incident as “disturbing”, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) demanded a detailed report within a week.

The commission noted that the content of the reports was “truly disturbing and indicative of negligence” that led to a “serious violation” of the victims’ human rights as they were in the care of a state institution.

In a statement, the NHRC said it has taken cognizance of media reports that at least 10 newborns died in a fire that broke out in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Maharani Lakshmibai Medical College on Friday evening.

Sixteen babies were injured during the incident, and 37 were rescued. Police have reportedly confirmed that the fire was caused by an electrical short circuit and that the babies who died were in incubators.

Accordingly, the rights commission said notices have been issued to the state’s chief secretary and director general of police seeking a detailed report within a week.

The report should contain information about the status of the FIR registered in the case, action taken against the officials responsible, medical treatment provided to the victims and compensation, if any, paid to the victim families, the release said.

The commission said it would also like to know the steps taken or proposed by the authorities to ensure that such incidents do not recur.

The Uttar Pradesh government on Saturday formed a four-member committee to probe the fire. PTI