India
NHRC Seeks Reports After 12‑Year‑Old Student Electrocuted Near School in Ballia
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognisance of a media report that on 2 November 2026 a 12‑year‑old fourth‑standard student of a government primary school in Ballia district, Uttar Pradesh, died after coming into contact with an 11 kV power line passing close to the roof of the school building. The NHRC issued notices to the Chairman‑cum‑Managing Director of Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Ltd (UPPCL), the Ballia District Magistrate, and the Superintendent of Police, requesting detailed reports within two weeks. According to the report cited by the NHRC, teachers had asked the student to climb onto the kitchen roof to pluck a bottle gourd for the mid‑day meal. Police arrested the acting principal Vijay Shankar, assistant teacher Anil Kumar, and the shiksha mitra (contractual instructor) Deep Chandra Ram on 3 November. Shankar and Kumar were suspended late Monday night for negligence and dereliction of duty, and the process to terminate Chandra Ram’s services was also initiated. The incident sparked anger among villagers, who staged a protest at the school. The NHRC said the contents of the news report, if true, raise serious issues of violation of human rights.
Frequently asked questions
Who was arrested following the incident?
Acting principal Vijay Shankar, assistant teacher Anil Kumar, and shiksha mitra Deep Chandra Ram were arrested on 3 November.
What action did the NHRC take after learning about the incident?
The NHRC took suo motu cognisance, issued notices to the UPPCL Chairman‑cum‑Managing Director, Ballia District Magistrate, and Superintendent of Police, requesting detailed reports within two weeks.
How did the student die?
The 12‑year‑old fourth‑standard student died after coming into contact with an 11 kV power line passing close to the roof of the school building.