SHILLONG, Jan 17 - The Meghalaya Human Rights Commission (MHRC) today directed the State government to institute an inquiry into the death of a woman due to electrocution.
Registering a suo motu case, the commission noted that an enquiry is required since it concerns death of a poor woman.
The commission also directed the State government to submit a detailed report to it within 30 days. The direction was passed by MHRC Chairperson (acting) PJP Hanaman and Judicial Member B Giri.
According to the commission, the death, as reported by the local media, was probably due to negligence and callousness of the Meghalaya Power Distribution Corporation Ltd (MePDCL).
The media reports said that one Hensolin D Sangma, mother of two, died after she came in contact with a live wire on January 10. The victim was cutting banana plants near her house at Edenbari on the outskirts of Tura on January 10 when the tragedy occurred.
She reportedly came in contact with a live wire from the 33 KV transmission line of MePDCL that passes just over one of the banana plants near her house and died instantly.
Her body was found by her family members a few hours later.
The commission further noted that since the State government is tasked with the maintenance and supervision of high power transmission lines in the entire State, hence the negligence angle.
The commission has issued notices to the State government and the MePDCL.
