Buried While Working: NHRC Takes Suo Motu Notice of Labourer’s Death in Rajasthan
(Syed Ali Taher Abedi)
Delhi,26, July,2025- The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India has taken suo motu cognizance of a distressing media report regarding a fatal accident that occurred on 14th July, 2025, in Ajmer district of Rajasthan. According to the report, a 50-year-old labourer tragically lost his life after being buried under a sudden collapse of soil while engaged in manual excavation work. The incident took place within the premises of a power house, where the victim, along with other labourers, was reportedly involved in digging a sewer pit—part of a deep trench estimated to be approximately 30 feet in depth.
The Commission, deeply concerned by the potential violation of safety norms and the absence of adequate protective measures for workers undertaking hazardous tasks, has deemed the matter as requiring immediate attention. In response, it has issued formal notices to the Chief Secretary of Rajasthan and the Commissioner of Police, Ajmer, requesting a comprehensive report within two weeks. The report is expected to include the circumstances surrounding the incident, preventive steps undertaken by the administration, and details of any compensation extended to the next of kin (NoK) of the deceased labourer.
The Commission has observed that the contents, if true, raise a serious violation of human rights of the victim. Therefore, it has issued notices to the Chief Secretary, Government of Rajasthan and the Commissioner of Police, Ajmer, calling for a detailed report within two weeks. The report is expected to include compensation, if any, provided to the next of kin (NoK) of the deceased.
According to the media report, carried on 15th July, 2025, the victim was about 18 feet down when the soil suddenly caved in, completely burying him under it. The other labourers managed to escape. The police, along with Civil Defence personnel, reached the spot and took the victim out after an effort of about 6 to 7 hours. The body of the deceased was sent for the post-mortem examination.
