Jhansi Fire Tragedy: NHRC Issues Notice to UP Chief Secretary, Police Chief, Seeks Report in 1 Week

New Delhi: NHRC on Saturday said it has issued a notice to Uttar Presh government and state's police chief in connection with a fire at children's ward of a medical college in Jhansi that claimed lives of 10 newborns.

Describing reports of incident as "disturbing", National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought a detailed report within a week.

commission observed that contents of reports are "indeed disturbing and indicate negligence" resulting in a "grave violation" of human rights of victims as y were in care of a government institution.

In a statement, NHRC said it has taken suo motu cognisance of a media report that at least 10 newborns died in fire that broke out in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Maharani Laxmibai Medical College on Friday night.

Sixteen babies suffered injuries in incident, while 37 were rescued safely. Reportedly, police authorities have confirmed that fire was caused by an electrical short circuit and babies who lost ir lives were in incubators, it said.

Accordingly, rights panel said, notices were issued to chief secretary and Director General of Police of state, seeking a detailed report within one week.

report should include status of FIR registered in matter, action taken against officials responsible, medical treatment being provided to injured and compensation, if any, paid to aggrieved families, it said.

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

Uttar Presh government on Saturday formed a four-member committee to probe fire incident.

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