Justice for Farmer Santosh Kumar: NHRC Takes Action After PVCHR Complaint

📸 Image: Late Santosh Kumar (File Photo) as reported by Dainik Jagran.
 The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a final reminder to the District Magistrate, Varanasi, and the Chief Engineer-II, Tube Well Department, following a complaint filed by Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi of the People’s Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR).

The case concerns Santosh Kumar (45), a farmer from Pachraw village, Varanasi, who tragically lost his life on 3 August 2024 due to electrocution while attempting to operate a government tube well for irrigation. Despite the family's plea, no official from the Tube Well Department arrived at the scene, reflecting serious administrative negligence.

The NHRC has now directed both authorities to submit a detailed report by 31 October 2025, warning of coercive measures under Section 13(1) of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 if they fail to comply.

This case highlights PVCHR’s continued fight for accountability, justice, and dignity for marginalized communities. The organization stands with the bereaved family in their demand for a fair investigation and adequate compensation.

#PVCHR #HumanRights #NHRC #JusticeForFarmers #Accountability #Varanasi #LeninRaghuvanshi #RuralJustice

From: <nhrc.india@nic.in>
Date: Tue, Oct 7, 2025 at 1:16 PM
Subject: Additional Information Called for(AIC) -18277/24/72/2024
To: <dmvar@nic.in>, <cetwidupva-up@nic.in>, <pvchr.adv@gmail.com>



NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
MANAV ADHIKAR BHAWAN BLOCK-C, GPO COMPLEX, INA, NEW DELHI- 110023
Fax No.: 011-24651332    Website: www.nhrc.nic.in
(Law Division)
Case No.- 18277/24/72/2024
Date : 07/10/2025  
To,
THE DISTRICT MAGISTRATE
Collectorate Compound, Hamrautia,
VARANASI UTTAR PRADESH
221001
Email- dmvar@nic.in

THE CHIEF ENGINEER
Chief Engineer-II Tube well (Varanasi)
VARANASI UTTAR PRADESH
Email- cetwidupva-up@nic.in

 
Sub : Complaint/ Intimation from

LENIN RAGHUVNASHI
SA4/2A DAULATPUR VARANASI
VARANASI , UTTAR PRADESH
221002
Email- pvchr.adv@gmail.com , Mob No- 9935599331

 
Subject: Additional Information Called for(AIC) -18277/24/72/2024.
 
Sir/ Madam,
 
         I am directed to say that the matter was considered by the Commission on 07/10/2025 and the Commission has directed as follows.:
         

The Commission on 06.08.2024 has received a complaint from Lenin Raghuvnashi r/o Daulatpura, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. The complainant alleges that a farmer named Santosh Kumar aged 45 years r/o Pachraw village, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh went to turn on a government-operated tube well for irrigation on 03.08.2024. While starting the tube well, he was electrocuted. Despite reporting the incident, no official from the tube well department arrived at the scene. The Police officials from Chandpur Police Station reached at the place and took the body for post-mortem. The deceased died due to negligence on the part of officials of State irrigation department (Tube well). The complainant requests a fair investigation and compensation for the family of the deceased.

The Commission vide proceeding dated 21.10.2024 called for action taken report in the matter from District Magistrate, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh but no report has been received from the concerned authority despite issuance of reminder.

Issue final reminder to District Magistrate, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh and Chief Engineer-II, Tube Well (Varanasi) Irrigation Department for causing enquiry into the matter and submit report before the Commission positively within two weeks, failing which the Commission shall be constrained to take coercive measures u/s13(1) PHR Act 1993.

 
2.     It is therefore, requested that the additional/ complete report as directed by the Commission in the matter be sent latest by 31/10/2025, for futher consideration by the Commission.
 
3.     Any communication by public authorities in this matter may please be sent to the Commission through the HRCNet Portal (https://hrcnet.nic.in) by using id and password already provided to the public authorities (click Authority Login). Any Audio/ Video CDs/ pen drives etc. may be sent through Speed Post/ per bearer. The reports/ responses sent through email may not be entertained

Your’s faithfully
Sd/-
L. M. Pathak
CONSULTANT (LAW), M-3
M-3 Section
Ph. No. 011-24663299




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