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Key Points

The National Human Rights Commission has stepped in after two shocking incidents involving children in Madhya Pradesh. In Jhabua, three children with pneumonia were branded with hot iron rods by a faith healer, leaving one in critical condition. Separately, two young children died from electrocution while playing in a Jabalpur Durga Puja pandal due to negligent wiring. The NHRC has demanded detailed reports from district officials within two weeks while highlighting serious human rights concerns.

Key Points: NHRC Demands MP Govt Report on Child Branding Electrocution Deaths

  • Three pneumonia-stricken children branded with hot iron by faith healer in Jhabua district
  • Two children aged 8 and 10 electrocuted in Jabalpur Durga Puja pandal
  • NHRC issues notices to district officials demanding reports within two weeks
  • Commission cites serious human rights violations in both separate incidents
2 min read

NHRC seeks answers from MP govt in incidents of child branding, electrocution deaths

NHRC seeks action after children branded for pneumonia in Jhabua and electrocuted in Jabalpur pandal, demanding accountability from Madhya Pradesh officials.

"Notices have been sent to the District Magistrate and the Superintendent of Police, Jhabua, seeking a comprehensive report on the incident - NHRC Statement"

Bhopal, Oct 7

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognisance of two separate incidents in Madhya Pradesh that raise grave concerns over the safety and dignity of children.

The Commission has issued notices to senior district officials, demanding detailed reports within two weeks.

The first incident, reported from Jhabua district, involves three children suffering from pneumonia who were allegedly branded with a hot iron rod by a local faith healer. Shockingly, the parents themselves had taken the children to the healer, believing in traditional practices over medical treatment.

Doctors later confirmed that the children were indeed suffering from pneumonia and bore visible burn marks on their bodies. One of the children is said to be in critical condition.

The NHRC, in its preliminary observation, stated that if the contents of the media report are accurate, they point to a serious violation of human rights. “Notices have been sent to the District Magistrate and the Superintendent of Police, Jhabua, seeking a comprehensive report on the incident, including the action taken against the faith healer and the steps being initiated to prevent such practices in the future,” a NHRC statement said.

In a separate tragedy, two children aged 8 and 10 lost their lives due to electrocution while playing inside a Durga Puja pandal in Jabalpur district. The incident occurred on September 24 when the children came into contact with an iron pipe that had been negligently wired with electricity by the pandal organisers.

The media report, published on September 25, prompted the NHRC to intervene.

The Commission has issued notices to the Chief Secretary of Madhya Pradesh and the Superintendent of Police, Jabalpur, demanding a detailed report on the circumstances leading to the deaths and the status of the investigation.

A three-member inquiry team led by a Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) has reportedly been formed to probe the matter.

Both incidents have sparked outrage and underline the urgent need for stronger child protection mechanisms, public awareness, and accountability.

The NHRC’s intervention signals a call for systemic reform and justice for the victims, as Madhya Pradesh grapples with the dual challenge of combating superstition and ensuring safety in public spaces.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Both incidents show complete negligence - whether by parents or event organizers. The Durga Puja pandal tragedy could have been easily prevented with basic safety checks. Organizers must be held accountable for such criminal negligence.
A
Arjun K
While I appreciate NHRC's swift action, I wish our local administration was more proactive. Why wait for human rights commission to intervene? Our district officials should have taken immediate action themselves.
S
Sarah B
As someone who has worked in rural healthcare, I've seen how deeply superstitions are rooted. We need ASHA workers and anganwadi centers to actively educate communities about harmful traditional practices. Education is key! 🙏
V
Vikram M
The branding incident is particularly disturbing because it shows how poverty and lack of education create such tragic situations. Government should ensure primary healthcare is accessible and affordable in every village.
M
Michael C
These incidents highlight the urgent need for better child protection laws and their enforcement. We need stricter safety regulations for public events and harsher punishment for those who endanger children's lives.

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