NHRC orders report on 4-year-old's death in uncovered Palwal manhole

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report regarding the death of a four-year-old girl in Palwal, Haryana, after falling into an uncovered manhole, and has ordered local authorities to submit a detailed report on the incident and investigation status.

Who it concerns: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), the Deputy Commissioner of Palwal, the Superintendent of Police of Palwal, the family of the deceased, and local residents of Palwal, Haryana.

What the Commission said or ordered

• NHRC took suo motu cognizance of the reported death of a four-year-old girl who fell into an uncovered manhole in Palwal, Haryana, on 14th September 2026.
• NHRC observed that the incident raises serious issues of violation of human rights if the media report is true.
• Notices were issued to the Deputy Commissioner and the Superintendent of Police, Palwal, requiring a detailed report within two weeks.
• The required report must include the status of the investigation and any compensation paid to the next of kin of the deceased.
• According to the media report, the girl was found inside the manhole by family and residents and taken to the District Civil Hospital, where she was declared dead.

Also in the document

• The media report states that despite several complaints by local residents, the manhole remained uncovered.
• The incident is reported to have occurred while the girl was playing near her house.