Human Dignity At Stake: NHRC Probes Shocking Rat Infestation in Haryana Mortuary

(By Syed Ali Taher Abedi)

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken Suo motu cognizance of shocking media reports that rats nibbled a dead body in the mortuary of Narwana Civil Hospital in Jind, Haryana—an incident that is reportedly not the first of its kind at the facility. Taking serious note of the matter, the Commission has issued a notice to the State Chief Secretary seeking a detailed report within two weeks.

The Commission has observed that the contents of the news report, if true, raise serious issues of violation of human rights.

According to a media report dated 12th November 2025, the hospital administration has stated that it had duly lodged a complaint with the company responsible for maintaining the mortuary freezer, seeking urgent repairs. Despite this, no remedial action has reportedly been taken by the concerned firm. In the absence of a timely response, the authorities have resorted to a stop‑gap arrangement: a protective mesh has been affixed to the freezer unit of the mortuary, intended as a temporary safeguard to prevent the entry of rats and to mitigate further indignities to the deceased.