NHRC investigates death of 12-year-old student from 11 KV power line

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of a reported incident in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh, where a 12-year-old student died after contacting an 11 KV power line near a school roof, and has ordered detailed reports from relevant authorities to investigate potential human rights violations.

Who it concerns: The incident concerns a 12-year-old student, teachers, and a ShikshaMitra at a government primary school in Ballia district, Uttar Pradesh. The NHRC has issued notices to the Chairman-cum-Managing Director of Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Ltd. (UPPCL), the Ballia District Magistrate, and the Superintendent of Police, Ballia.

What the Commission said or ordered

• The NHRC took suo motu cognizance of a media report dated 3rd November 2026 regarding the death of a student on 2nd November 2026.
• The student reportedly died after coming into contact with an 11 KV power line passing close to the roof of the school building.
• The NHRC observed that the reported facts raise serious issues of violation of human rights.
• The Commission issued notices to UPPCL, the Ballia District Magistrate, and the Superintendent of Police, Ballia, requiring detailed reports within two weeks.
• According to the media report, two teachers were placed under suspension and a recommendation was made for the termination of the services of the ShikshaMitra.

Also in the document

• The media report states that teachers reportedly asked the student to climb and pluck a ‘bottle gourd’ from the kitchen roof for the mid-day meal.