Cuttack: National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought action taken reports from state authorities over the alleged electrocution of a 30-year-old man in Koraput district due to an unprotected transformer.The commission passed the order on Monday after taking cognisance of a complaint filed by Jeypore-based human rights activist and advocate Anup Kumar Patro on Oct 11, 2025.In his complaint, Patro alleged that Iswar Hikoka died on Oct 1, 2025, at Mathiliamba village under Laxmipur police station limits due to the electricity department’s failure to construct a boundary wall around a transformer. He claimed the transformer was left exposed without mandatory safety measures, posing a serious threat to residents.Calling it a violation of Article 21 of the Constitution, which guarantees right to life, the complainant accused officials of “gross negligence, delinquency and irresponsibility”. He alleged that established electrical safety norms require transformers to be secured at a prescribed minimum distance from public access or isolated with protective, fire-rated barriers to prevent accidental contact and fire hazards.In its order, NHRC has directed its registry to forward the complaint to the chief secretary, collector and district magistrate of Koraput and Koraput SP seeking detailed action taken reports within four weeks of receipt of its communication.Patro has also urged the commission to recommend adequate compensation for the next of kin of the deceased, holding the department accountable for the alleged lapse.
