New Delhi: A man bitten by a snake has lost his life as he was detained and not allowed to rush to the hospital for treatment by some policemen despite his repeated requests in the Kaimur district of Bihar on September 26, 2024.
Reportedly, the policemen demanded Rs. 2000 in bribes forcing him to call his brother in distress who could arrange only Rs. 700 to manage his release but by that time he had already lost considerable time in getting critical treatment.
Taking suo motu cognizance of the incident, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India today said the incident raises a serious issue of violation of the human rights of the victim due to the abuse of power by police personnel who were supposed to take the man to the hospital immediately to save his life.
The NHRC stated today it has issued a notice to the Director General of Police, Government of Bihar calling for a detailed report within two weeks. It is expected to include the status of the police investigation as well as action taken against the errant police personnel.
The Commission also asked the District Magistrate, Kaimur to inform whether any compensation has been paid to the next of kin of the deceased person.
Reportedly, the victim was bitten by a snake while he was irrigating the crops at night on September 26, 2024. After this, he started running from the fields in a restless state, towards his village. Meanwhile, a patrolling police team stopped and started interrogating him. The man told them that he had been bitten by a snake and he was running home. The police personnel did not believe him and asked him to pay a sum of Rs. 2000 otherwise he would not be allowed to move.
Reportedly, the police personnel accompanied him to his house but there was no money available at home. The man then called his elder brother but he also had no money with him. Somehow, Rs. 700 were arranged and given to the police personnel, but by then considerable time was lost to get the snake bite victim treatment to save his life.
