Rights panel orders inquiry into electrocution deaths

SHILLONG: The Meghalaya Human Rights Commission has ordered a high-level probe into the death of five persons due to electrocution near Manikganj village of North Garo Hills based on a news report published in this daily.
The tragedy took place on July 25 when five labourers engaged in road construction work near Manikganj village were electrocuted and another five grievously injured when their road repair vehicle touched a high tension electrical wire that was lying low.
The secretary of the commission said it has taken a suo motu cognizance of the matter and directed the chief secretary to start an inquiry into the matter by an officer not lower than the rank of secretary and to submit a report within 45 days.
Referring to the news report regarding poor maintenance by the Power Department that resulted in the electrocution, the commission said in view of the facts and circumstances of the case as published in the newspaper, the commission is of firm view that a high level inquiry needs to be conducted to unearth the actual truth of alleged negligence on the part of the department concerned and also to fix responsibility on the persons for the incident.