NHRC Takes Suo Motu Cognizance of 12-Year-Old Student’s Death Due to Electrocution in Ballia
NHRC Takes Suo Motu Cognizance of 12-Year-Old Student’s Death Due to Electrocution in Ballia
Student reportedly asked by teachers to pluck a bottle gourd from the school kitchen roof for the mid-day meal
Notices issued to UPPCL Chairman-cum-Managing Director, Ballia DM and SP; detailed reports sought within two weeks
New Delhi: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India, has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report regarding the death of a 12-year-old student at a government primary school in Ballia district, Uttar Pradesh. The incident reportedly took place on November 2, 2026, when the Class IV student came into contact with an 11 KV power line passing close to the roof of the school building and died.
According to the media report, the teachers had allegedly asked the child to climb onto the kitchen roof and pluck a bottle gourd for the mid-day meal. Taking note of the incident, the Commission observed that, if the contents of the news report are true, they raise serious concerns regarding the violation of human rights.
Accordingly, the NHRC has issued notices to the Chairman-cum-Managing Director of Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL), the District Magistrate of Ballia and the Superintendent of Police, Ballia, seeking detailed reports on the matter within two weeks.
According to a media report published on November 3, 2026, two teachers of the school have been placed under suspension. A recommendation has also reportedly been made for the termination of the services of the Shiksha Mitra concerned. The Commission has sought reports from the concerned authorities to examine the circumstances surrounding the student's death and the issues raised by the incident.