BARGARH : Taking cognisance of the tragic death of a 12-year-old boy who fell into a heap of burning rice mill ash in February this year, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has asked the district administration to submit an action-taken report (ATR) within a week.
The incident took place on February 26 in Boipura village within Bheden police limits. Pratyush Bhaina sustained critical burns after accidentally falling into smoldering paddy husk waste allegedly dumped negligently at the roadside by Kaleshwar rice mill. Despite over a month of treatment at VIMSAR, Burla and SCB Medical College and Hospital at Cuttack, the child succumbed to injuries on April 11.
Following the incident, rights activist Dillip Das of Kalahandi submitted a petition to the NHRC on April 13, highlighting the alleged negligence of the rice mill owner and lack of any compensation or assistance to the bereaved family.
In his petition, Das said, “The painful and heart-wrenching incident happened due to the carelessness of Kaleswar rice mill which dumped the hot ash at the roadside without pouring water on it. It is a result of complete disregard for human life and environmental safety by the rice mill. The family deserves justice and adequate compensation for its irreparable loss.”
The activist further said the NHRC should direct the state government to arrest the rice mill owner and ensure compensation of `20 lakh to the bereaved family. Acting on the complaint, the NHRC registered a case and on Thursday, directed the district magistrate (DM) of Bargarh and the special secretary of Odisha to submit an ATR by July 17. The case is scheduled to be heard during the commission’s camp sitting/open hearing in Bhubaneswar on July 21.
In its official communication, the NHRC said, “Transmit a copy of the present complaint to the authority concerned calling for an action-taken report in the matter within a week.”
The rights panel also forwarded the case details to the chief secretary of Odisha and the director general of police for necessary follow-up.
Villagers of Boipura alleged that the rice mill was dumping hot ash at the roadside for years despite protests from the local community, raising serious questions about enforcement of environmental regulations and public safety measures.