NHRC Seeks Report on Muzaffarpur Septic Tank Deaths
Rights panel takes suo motu cognizance of reported deaths of two workers in Bihar, seeks response within two weeks
- The NHRC took suo motu cognizance of reports about the deaths of two workers in a septic tank in Muzaffarpur.
- The incident was reportedly reported from the Sikandarpur Police Station area on September 14.
- Notices have been issued to Bihar’s Chief Secretary, Muzaffarpur DM and SSP.
- The Commission has sought details of the investigation and compensation, if any, paid to the victims’ next of kin.
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 17th Sept: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report concerning the deaths of two workers who reportedly died of asphyxiation inside a septic tank in Bihar’s Muzaffarpur district.
According to the report cited by the Commission, the incident took place on September 14, 2026, in the area under Sikandarpur Police Station. The workers were reportedly engaged in removing shuttering from a septic tank when the incident occurred.
The NHRC said that, if the reported facts are established to be true, they raise serious issues concerning possible violations of human rights.
The Commission has issued notices to the Chief Secretary of Bihar, District Magistrate, Muzaffarpur, and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Muzaffarpur, seeking detailed reports within two weeks.
The reports are expected to include the current status of the investigation and details of any compensation provided to the next of kin (NoK) of the deceased workers.
The NHRC said the matter is being investigated to determine whether there was any breach of prescribed safety protocols during the work inside the septic tank.
The Commission’s action follows a media report published on September 15 regarding the incident.
