NHRC Steps In: Patient’s Death at Kanpur Medical College Triggers Suo Motu Action
(Syed Ali Taher Abedi)
Delhi, August,21,2025 – the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India, has issued notices to the Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh and the Director General of Police, seeking a detailed report within two weeks. The Commission has taken Suo motu cognizance of media reports alleging that gross mismanagement by hospital authorities and police personnel led to the death of a 25-year-old patient, who was left unattended without proper treatment at Kanpur Medical College on 9th August 2025. Reportedly, two individuals had admitted him to the hospital in a critical, unconscious state before leaving.
The Chairman of NHRC Justice V. Ramasubramanian issued the notice
The tragic incident came to light only after several hours, when other patients began leaving the ward due to the unbearable foul smell, prompting the shifting of the body to the mortuary. Taking serious note of the matter,
According to reports, the attending doctor referred the patient to another hospital for further treatment. However, as the patient had no one to accompany him, a request was made to the local police station for an escort. Shockingly, the police guard did not arrive for nearly 6 to 7 hours, during which time the patient tragically passed away.
Disturbingly, the deceased remained in the hospital ward for several hours after death, and the body began to emit a foul odor, prompting other patients to vacate the area. It was only then that the body was finally moved to the mortuary.
The Commission has observed that the contents of the news report, if true, raise serious issues of violation of human rights. Therefore, it has issued notices to the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police, Uttar Pradesh, calling for a detailed report on the matter within two weeks.
According to the media report, carried on 11th August, 2025, the police claimed that a guard was sent to the hospital to escort the patient, but could not be taken to the referral facility due to non-availability of an ambulance. However, the hospital authorities reportedly claimed that an ambulance was available.
