Hisar: In a strong indictment of the police investigation into the deaths of two workers during sewer cleaning at a hotel in Hansi, the Haryana Human Rights Commission (HHRC) termed the probe biased, suspicious, and aimed at shielding the real culprits. The commission observed that the manner in which the investigation was conducted clearly pointed to a deliberate attempt to protect those responsible from legal accountability. The matter was listed for further hearing on Feb 18, 2026. The full commission, comprising Chairperson Justice Lalit Batra and members Kuldip Jain and Deep Bhatia, made scathing remarks on the police report, stating that documents placed on record revealed a well-planned effort to divert liability. The commission specifically questioned the authenticity of the appointment letter of the hotel’s assistant manager, noting that it bore no date and appeared to have been prepared after the incident to absolve the hotel owner of responsibility. Such conduct, the Commission said, amounted to a blatant misuse of law and morality.The commission also expressed serious concern over the legal opinion dated Nov 13, 2025, rendered by the deputy district attorney, which led to the dilution of charges from Section 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) to Section 106 (death by negligence) without any justification. The Commission said this unexplained change raised grave doubts about the intent and credibility of both the legal opinion and the investigating agency.Observing that the matter went beyond mere investigative lapses, the commission said the case appeared to reflect an institutional effort to evade accountability. It made it clear that superficial explanations and cosmetic investigations would not be tolerated in incidents involving loss of human life. Taking a serious view of the matter, the full commission directed the superintendent of police, Hansi, to re-examine the case and submit a detailed report at least 1 week before the next hearing. The SP was also ordered to appear in person before the commission. In addition, the deputy superintendent of police who conducted the initial investigation and the deputy district attorney who issued the disputed legal opinion were summoned to appear before the Commission.The commission further expressed displeasure over the failure of the Municipal Council/Gram Panchayat and the hotel management to submit their reports so far, warning that continued non-compliance with its directions would be viewed seriously. While noting that compensation of Rs 30 lakh each was paid to the families of the deceased workers, the commission underlined that monetary compensation alone does not amount to justice. Fixing responsibility and ensuring that the real culprits are brought to justice is imperative, the commission asserted, emphasising that human life cannot be reduced to procedural formalities. MSID: 127709539 413 |
