Jajpur TB deaths: NHRC seeks report from Odisha govt within 4 weeks

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Wednesday issued notice to the Odisha Chief Secretary over the recent deaths due to Tuberculosis in Kaliapani area under Jajpur district.

The Commission took suo motu cognisance of the event after receiving a complaint from an advocate and human rights activist from Odisha referring to a news report published in a local newspaper. The commission also received a complaint from rights activist Akhand in this regard.

The petitioner stated that due to poverty, unhygienic lifestyle and lack of nutritional food, people residing in Jajpur’s Kaliapani are suffering from illness.

He further stated that four persons aged between 29 and 48 years have died of Tuberculosis in Jajpur due to the unavailability of proper medical treatment on time. He alleged that the officials from the Health Department never visit the area due to which many of the local tribal residents are suffering.

The petitioner requested the Commission to intervene in the matter.

Hearing the matter, the Commission opined that the contents of the news report, if true, raise serious issue of violation of human rights to the residents.

Taking suo motu cognizance of the news report, the commission issued a notice to the Chief Secretary of Odisha calling for a detailed report on the matter within four weeks.

The Commission also sought to know about the steps taken/ proposed to deal with the matter by the state authorities.