Ten newborns were burnt to death in a fire that broke out in the Special Newborn Care Unit of the Maharani Lakshmibai Medical College in Jhansi. In this matter, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) said that we have issued a notice to the Uttar Pradesh government and the DGP regarding the fire incident. The commission found the report to be “truly worrying and reflects negligence that resulted in a “serious violation” of the victims’ human rights while being under the care of a government institution.
In a statement, the NHRC said we have taken suo motu cognizance of a media report claiming that 10 newborn babies died in a fire that broke out in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Maharani Lakshmibai Medical College on Friday night. 16 children were injured in the incident, while 37 children were rescued safely. Police officers have confirmed that the fire was caused by an electrical short circuit and that the babies who died were in an incubator.
The Human Rights Commission said a notice has been sent to the state chief secretary and director general of police and a detailed report has been sought within a week. The report should include information on the status of the FIR registered in the case, action taken against the responsible officials, medical treatment provided to the injured and compensation (if any) given to the victim’s families.
The Commission said it would also like to know what measures the authorities have taken or proposed to ensure that such incidents are not repeated. Let us tell you that the Uttar Pradesh government has constituted a four-member committee to investigate Saturday’s fire.
