Gorakhpur tragedy: NHRC sends notice to UP govt, seeks report in four weeks

According to reports, viewing the tragedy as a "serious violation of Right to Life", the human rights commission has demanded a detailed report on the steps taken by the state government

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Monday issued a notice to Uttar Pradesh government over the deaths of several children at Baba Raghav Das Medical College in Gorakhpur.

The commission sought a report in four weeks.

According to reports, viewing the tragedy as a "serious violation of Right to Life", the human rights commission has demanded a detailed report on the steps taken by the state government to rehabilitate the affected families.

The rights panel has taken suo motu cognisance of several media reports hinting at negligence in the supply of liquid oxygen at the hospital which resulted in the tragedy.

Earlier, the Supreme Court declined to hear a plea requesting it to take Suo moto cognizance of the death of infants in Gorakhpur's Baba Raghav Das hospital. The plea has also sought a SIT probe into the deaths.

Over 60 children have reportedly died at BRD Medical College Hospital since August 7, many allegedly for want of oxygen whose supply was disrupted after bills were not paid to the vendor.

(With agency inputs)