Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 09/20

MHRC REGISTERS SUO MOTO CASE

The Meghalaya Human Rights Commission, Shillong headed by its Chairperson (Acting), Shri P. J. P. Hanaman and the Judicial Member, Smti B. Giri has registered a Suo Moto case on the news item published in the “Shillong Times” dated January 10, 2020 under the caption “Women dies from electrocution near Tura”. According to the Commission, the death as reported appears to reveal sheer negligence and callousness of the Meghalaya Power Distribution Corporation Ltd. (MePDCL) which is tasked with the maintenance and supervision of high power transmission line to the whole state. The Commission has issued notice to the State Government and to the Meghalaya Power Distribution Corporation Ltd. (MePDCL). According to the news report, one Smti Hensolin D. Sangma, mother of two was out on Wednesday cutting overgrown banana plants when she came in contact with live wire from 33 KV transmission line that was just above one of the banana plant. The contact with live wire electrocuted her and her lifeless body was found by her families at the site a few hours later. The Commission has directed the State Government to institute an enquiry into the incident which has taken the life of a poor woman and to submit a detailed report to the Commission within 30 days.