The Gujarat State Human Rights Commission (GHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of a tragic incident in Ahmedabad, issuing formal notices to the city's top police and civic officials. This action follows the death of a two-wheeler rider last month, who lost his life after his scooter got stuck in an uncovered manhole.
Details of the Tragic Incident in Kubernagar
The unfortunate event occurred in the Kubernagar locality of Ahmedabad. According to the representation made to the commission, the rider was navigating the area when his vehicle plunged into an open manhole. The absence of a cover directly led to the accident, resulting in fatal injuries for the scooterist. Rights activist Kantilal Parmar brought the matter to the SHRC, alleging gross negligence by the concerned authorities.
GHRC's Directives and Official Response
Acting on the complaint, the GHRC has issued notices to both the Police Commissioner of Ahmedabad and the Municipal Commissioner. The commission has demanded a detailed report from the authorities on the circumstances that led to the incident. Parmar's representation squarely blamed the civic body for failing to replace the missing manhole cover, highlighting a severe lapse in public safety maintenance. A hearing on this matter has been scheduled for December 30.
Accountability and Public Safety Concerns
This case underscores a persistent and deadly issue of uncovered manholes and drainage pits in urban areas, posing a constant threat to citizens. The GHRC's intervention signals a push for accountability from civic and law enforcement agencies responsible for ensuring safe road infrastructure. The upcoming hearing on December 30 is expected to scrutinize the chain of responsibility and potentially set a precedent for how such cases of alleged civic negligence are handled in the future.
The incident has sparked renewed concerns about municipal corporation's maintenance protocols and the urgent need for regular audits of public infrastructure to prevent such avoidable tragedies.
