NHRC Seeks Report from Jharkhand Govt On Suspicious Death at Deoghar Remand Home

New Delhi: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has directed the Jharkhand government and the Deoghar police to submit a detailed report within two weeks regarding the death of a 19-year-old female inmate. The woman, an inhabitant of a remand home in the Charki Pahadi area, died on May 2 under suspicious circumstances.

Suo Motu Cognizance

Taking suo motu cognizance of media reports, the NHRC observed that the incident indicates a serious violation of human rights. The Commission issued formal notices to the Chief Secretary of Jharkhand and the Superintendent of Police, Deoghar.

The inmate reportedly fell ill suddenly at the facility and died while undergoing treatment at Deoghar Sadar Hospital. While the official cause of death remains unconfirmed, the incident has highlighted alarming trends at the facility; five inmates have reportedly died at this specific remand home since January 1, 2026.

Sewer Deaths in Haryana

In a separate intervention, the NHRC took cognizance of the deaths of two sanitation workers in Greater Faridabad, Haryana. The workers died on May 2 while cleaning a sewer at a residential society. Reports indicate the workers entered the manhole without gas masks or protective gear under the instructions of the estate manager.

The Commission has asked the Faridabad Municipal Commissioner and the Commissioner of Police for a report on the investigation status and compensation for the victims’ families. The NHRC expressed concern that such fatalities persist despite Supreme Court guidelines and national advisories mandating mechanized cleaning and safety equipment for sanitation staff.