SHRC directs government to submit report on hooch tragedy

Bangalore, May 22 (UNI) Karnataka State Human Rights Commission Chairman S R Naik today directed the state government to submit its action taken report on the hooch tragedy that killed over 180 people by June 16.

Speaking to reporters he said the Commission had instructed the Chief Secretary to send his report to the Commission with regard to the circumstances leading to the tragedy. Officials should also come out with details whether there was any laps on the part of the officials and the action taken against them.

If the Commission was not satisfied with the report, it would investigate the tragedy on its own or ask for a CoD, CBI or judicial inquiry, he said.

"It is rather difficult to comprehend that the tragedy of this dimension would occur without the knowledge and notice of the law enforcing authorities, particularly the police, excise and health departments," he said.

During his visit to Bowring hospital in the city it was found that no responsible officer was present to assist the medical staff struggling to treat a large number of patients. The facilities avaialable in the hospital were totally inadequate to treat patients, he said.

Meanwhile, the Commission also made six interim recommendations to the state government in connection with the hooch tragedy. This included including enhancing of the payment of compensation to Rs two lakh to the relatives of the victims. A separate scheme of rehabilitation to be framed for those who survived the tragedy, he said.

It also instructed the government to take action within a month for providing the basic amenities at DJ Halli and Roshan Nagar where the hooch tragedy claimed more number of lives.

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