NHRC seeks ATR from Sambalpur DM on fatal NH-55 accident
NHRC has directed Sambalpur's district magistrate to submit an action taken report within four weeks on allegations that an illegal speed breaker caused the NH-55 accident that killed 60-year-old Rajanikanth Nayak.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has directed Sambalpur district magistrate to submit an action taken report within four weeks on a complaint alleging that a 60‑year‑old social worker, Rajanikanth Nayak, died in an NH‑55 accident at Hospital Square in Rairakhol due to an allegedly illegal or unscientifically placed speed breaker and inadequate traffic control.
What did the complaint allege?
The complainant, Anup Kumar Patro, a Jeypore‑based human rights activist and advocate, stated that Rajanikanth Nayak’s death on November 19, 2025, resulted from a poorly designed or illegally placed speed breaker on NH‑55 at Hospital Square in Rairakhol, combined with a lack of traffic regulation by authorities. He argued that the circumstances raised questions about the protection of the deceased’s fundamental right to life, noting that "the circumstances leading to the death raised questions over the protection of the deceased’s fundamental right to life." Patro urged the NHRC to sanction compensation for Nayak’s next of kin, emphasizing that "his untimely death had left the family in distress," and sought directions to the Odisha chief secretary or the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways for grant of relief.
What actions has the NHRC taken?
On August 11, 2026 (Tuesday), the NHRC passed directions on the complaint, observing that the allegations "prima facie seem to be violations of the human rights of the victim." The commission exercised its powers under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, taking cognisance of the matter under Section 12 of the Act. The bench, presided over by NHRC member Priyank Kanoongo, directed the NHRC registry to issue a notice to the Sambalpur district magistrate and to inquire into the allegations. It specifically ordered that an action taken report (ATR) be submitted within four weeks for its consideration, underscoring the commission’s statutory responsibility to protect and promote human rights and its inquiry powers under Section 13 of the Act.
What happens next?
The Sambalpur district administration has been forwarded a copy of the complaint and instructed to take appropriate action in accordance with the NHRC’s directions and to submit its report within the stipulated four‑week period. The NHRC will consider the action taken report once received. The commission reiterated its mandate under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, affirming its duty to inquire into alleged violations and to recommend remedial measures, including compensation, where warranted.
What prompted the NHRC to seek a report from the Sambalpur district magistrate?
A complaint alleged that a 60‑year‑old social worker died in an NH‑55 accident due to an allegedly illegal or unscientifically placed speed breaker and poor traffic control.
Who filed the complaint that led to the NHRC's direction?
Jeypore‑based human rights activist and advocate Anup Kumar Patro filed the complaint.
When did the accident involving Rajanikanth Nayak occur?
The accident occurred on November 19, 2025, at Hospital Square in Rairakhol, Sambalpur district.
What specific actions did the NHRC order the Sambalpur district magistrate to take?
The NHRC ordered the district magistrate to submit an action taken report within four weeks and to inquire into the allegations about the speed breaker and traffic control.
What legal basis did the NHRC cite for its involvement in the case?
The NHRC invoked the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, specifically Sections 12 and 13, to take cognisance of the complaint and inquire into the allegations.
What relief did the complainant request from the authorities?
The complainant sought compensation for the victim’s next of kin and directions to the Odisha chief secretary or the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to provide relief.
What is the deadline for the Sambalpur district administration to submit its report to the NHRC?
The report must be submitted within four weeks of the NHRC’s direction.
Which NHRC member presided over the bench that issued the direction?
NHRC member Priyank Kanoongo presided over the bench.
What did the NHRC say about the allegations in the complaint?
The NHRC stated that the allegations prima facie appear to be violations of the victim’s human rights.
What further steps might the NHRC consider after reviewing the action taken report?
The NHRC may conduct inquiries under Section 13 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, or make recommendations for compensation.
Debraj Meher
District Correspondent, Sambalpur
Debraj Meher reports on Sambalpur district's civic affairs, the Hirakud dam command area, and the region's handloom economy. He has been the Mirror's Sambalpur correspondent since 2021.
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