SHRC directs K'taka Govt 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 by June 16, in which over 180 people were killed in the State and neighbouring Tamil Nadu.

Speaking to reporters here, he said the Commission had instructed the Chief Secretary to send his report with regard to the circumstances leading to the tragedy. The Government should also come out with details whether there was any lapse 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 could occur without the knowledge and notice of the law enforcing authorities, particularly the Police, Excise and Health departments,'' Mr Naik said.

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

Meanwhile, the Commission also made six interim recommendations to the State Government in connection with the hooch tragedy, including enhancing the compensation amount to Rs two lakh to the relatives of the victims and a rehabilitation scheme for those who survived the tragedy.

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

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