New Delhi: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) today said it has taken suo motu cognizance of the reported deaths of three inmates due to suspected food poisoning at a State government-run shelter home in the Patel Nagar area of Patna.
13 women inmates of the shelter home for mentally ill and destitute women also reportedly fell ill due to food poisoning. They complained of vomiting and diarrhoea after having dinner and were admitted to the Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH).
The shelter home is reportedly funded by the Bihar government’s Directorate of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities.
The Commission observed that the incident, if true, raises a serious issue of human rights violations of the victims. As the lawful custodians of the inmates, the authorities of the Shelter Home are responsible for providing proper care to the inmates. Accordingly, the National Human Rights Commission issued notice to the Chief Secretary, Government of Bihar calling for a detailed report within two weeks.
The NHRC said it expected the report to include the status of the victims’ health. “The Commission would also like to know whether any compensation has been provided to the victims or their families by the administration,” it stated.
The Chief Secretary is also expected to inform the Commission about the steps taken or proposed to ensure that such incidents do not recur.
The incident is reported to have happened between November, 7 and 11, 2024. According to a media report, carried out on November 14, 2024, during the inspection of the shelter home, the authorities found that the inmates were living in unhygienic conditions. Proper hygiene was not being maintained in the preparation of food also at the shelter home, the report said.
– global bihari bureau
