NHRC Seeks My Comments After Compensation Reaches Lightning Victim's Family in Sonbhadra


 

NHRC Seeks My Comments After Compensation Reaches Lightning Victim's Family in Sonbhadra

A small but meaningful step towards accountability and justice.

On 31 July 2026, I received a communication from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in Case No. 16096/24/69/2025, asking for my comments on the inquiry report submitted by the District Magistrate, Sonbhadra, regarding the tragic deaths caused by lightning in Sonbhadra and Bhadohi in July 2025.

This development is significant because it demonstrates that citizen interventions and human rights complaints can help ensure that the rights of disaster victims are not overlooked.

The Incident

On 26 July 2025, I submitted a complaint before the NHRC after media reports highlighted the deaths of three people who were struck by lightning during heavy rainfall in Uttar Pradesh. The complaint documented the deaths of:

  • Ashish (13 years) from Village Dadihara, Sonbhadra
  • Patlu (50 years), a farmer from Mubarakpur, Sonbhadra
  • Chironji Devi (65 years) from Bhadohi

I requested the Commission to take cognizance of the matter and ensure that the affected families received compensation and justice. The complaint was registered by the NHRC as Diary No. 17635/IN/2025.

NHRC Took Cognizance

After examining the complaint, the NHRC directed the District Magistrates of Sonbhadra and Bhadohi to conduct inquiries into the incidents.

The inquiry submitted by the Sonbhadra administration confirmed that:

  • Ashish died after being struck by lightning on 25 July 2025 during heavy rainfall.
  • The incident qualified as a natural disaster.
  • An ex gratia compensation of ₹4,00,000 was sanctioned and transferred from the Natural Calamity Relief Fund to his mother, Rita Devi.

The NHRC has now shared this report with me and invited my comments before taking a final decision in the case.

Why This Matters

This case is not merely about compensation.

It demonstrates that:

  • Citizens can use constitutional institutions to demand accountability.
  • Human rights mechanisms remain relevant even in cases involving natural disasters.
  • Timely intervention can ensure that families receive the assistance guaranteed under government relief schemes.
  • Documentation and follow-up by civil society play a vital role in protecting vulnerable communities.

More Needs to Be Done

While the compensation paid to Ashish's family is welcome, important questions remain:

  • What action has been taken regarding the other two victims?
  • Have all affected families received the relief they are entitled to?
  • Were disaster preparedness measures and public awareness sufficient?
  • Can early warning systems and community education reduce such preventable deaths?

Natural disasters cannot always be prevented, but the suffering of affected families can certainly be reduced through prompt relief, transparency, and effective governance.

Citizen Action Makes Institutions Responsive

This case reinforces an important lesson: when citizens document violations, file complaints, and consistently pursue them, public institutions are more likely to respond.

Human rights work is often about ensuring that those who are invisible to the system are not forgotten.

I will submit my comments to the NHRC after reviewing the inquiry report and will continue to follow the matter until all affected families receive justice and their lawful entitlements.

Justice begins with speaking up—and continues through persistent follow-up.

From: <nhrc.india@nic.in>
Date: Fri, Jul 31, 2026 at 9:08 PM
Subject: Comments of Complainant Called for(CCC) -16096/24/69/2025
To: <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.- 16096/24/69/2025
Date : 31/07/2026  
To,

LENIN RAGHUVANSHI
SA 4/2A DAULATPUR, VARANASI
VARANASI , UTTAR PRADESH
221002
Email- pvchr.adv@gmail.com , Mob No- 9935599331

Subject: Comments of Complainant Called for(CCC) -16096/24/69/2025.
 
Sir/ Madam,
 
        With reference to your complaint/ intimation dated 26/07/2025, I am directed to inform you that the above mentioned complaint/ intimation along with the report received from the concerned authorities were placed before the Commission on 31/07/2026 Upon persuing the same, the Commission has directed as follows :-
        

1. The Commission received a Complaint on 26-07-2025 from Sh. Lenin Raghuvanshi, R/o. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.  The Complainant reports that three individuals tragically died after being struck by lightning during heavy rainfall in Sonebhadra and Bhadohi Districts. The victims include a 13-year-old boy, a 50-year-old farmer, and a 65-year-old woman. The incidents occurred in separate villages and were reported by local police and health officials. The Complainant requested the Commission to take cognizance of the matter and provide compensation to the affected families.

2. The Commission took cognizance of the intimation, vide proceedings dated:25-02-2026 and directed District Magistrate, Sonebhadra and District Magistrate, Bhadohi, UP  to make inquiry and submit the report.

3. In pursuant of same, the Commission the Report dated:20-03-2026 from the District Magistrate, Sonbhadra, UP along with the Enquiry report dated:19-03-2026 conducted by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Duddhi, Sonbhadra, UP.   It was stated that, Ashish, son of Ramnath and a resident of Village Dadrihara, Muirpur Development Block, Dudhi Tehsil, District Sonbhadra, died after being struck by lightning during rainfall on 25 July 2025. The incident falls within the category of a natural calamity. Consequently, an ex gratia amount of ?4,00,000/- (Rupees Four Lakh Only) has been paid from the Natural Calamity Relief Fund to the NoK’s of the deceased, namely his mother, Rita Devi, wife of Ramnath and a resident of Village Dadrihara. The amount has been credited to her bank account bearing No.43968100005544 (IFSC Code: BARB0RENUKD).

4. The Registry is directed to transmit the copy of the Report dated:20-03-2026 received from the District Magistrate, Sonbhadra, UP along with the Enquiry report dated:19-03-2026 conducted by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Duddhi, Sonbhadra, UP to the Complainant seeking his comments, if any.  In case no comments were received within 02 (two) weeks, from the Complainant, the case will be decided based on the merits, based on the records available with the Commission.  

 
2.     Pursuant to the above directions, I am enclosing herewith a copy of the report for furnishing your comments, if any, by 24/08/2026, for consideration of the Commission.

Your’s faithfully
Sd/-
Atul Kumar, SB-5
ASSISTANT REGISTRAR (LAW)
M-5 Section
Ph. No. 011-24663287


 






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