Haryana Rights Panel Slams Police Probe in Hansi Sewer Deaths, Orders Fresh Examination
The Haryana Human Rights Commission (HHRC) has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the police investigation into the tragic deaths of two sanitation workers in Hansi and has directed senior police officers to re-examine the matter afresh. The commission took serious note of alleged lapses in the probe and ordered immediate corrective measures.
Case Background and Commission's Intervention
Two sanitation workers, Virender and Sombir, allegedly died while cleaning a sewer line at a hotel in Hansi in October last year. The commission initiated a suo motu case following these deaths and has been closely monitoring the investigation progress.
During recent proceedings, the commission ordered the superintendent of police, Hansi, to submit a detailed report after thoroughly reviewing the case. The officer has been directed to appear personally before the commission on the next date of hearing, scheduled for February 18.
Investigation Flaws and Commission's Observations
According to the action taken report submitted by Superintendent of Police Amit Yashvardhan, a First Information Report (FIR) was registered on October 19, 2025, under provisions of the SC/ST Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The complaint was filed by Sanjay, son of Virender, against Shyam Sunder Saini and his sons, Shivam and Mandeep.
The investigation underwent multiple changes, including the constitution of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under DSP Ravinder Singh's supervision. The SIT obtained legal opinion suggesting invocation of Section 106 of the BNS, following which the case was finalized against Sandeep, assistant manager of the hotel.
However, the commission raised serious concerns after examining police reports and documents. The HHRC observed that the appointment letter of the assistant manager, relied upon to fix accountability, was undated and appeared to have been issued after the incident. This raised suspicion of an attempt to shift responsibility away from hotel owner Shyam Sunder, whom the commission prima facie described as the "actual culprit."
Commission's Strong Criticism and Directives
The commission questioned the investigation's impartiality and expressed displeasure over legal opinions that diluted the offence without assigning proper reasons. It remarked that such actions cast a "serious question mark" on the investigating agency's intentions and fairness in a case where two innocent lives were lost.
In addition to the superintendent of police, the commission instructed the deputy superintendent of police who initially investigated the case and the deputy district attorney who rendered legal opinion to be personally present to assist the commission.
Four-Week Deadline for Fresh Examination
Considering the matter's gravity, the commission granted four weeks to the superintendent of police, Hansi, to re-examine the case and submit a comprehensive report. The commission has also sought fresh reports from:
- The Hansi Municipal Council
- The concerned gram panchayat
- The hotel management
These reports are being sought again as earlier directions were not complied with properly. The commission noted that compensation of Rs 30 lakh each has already been released to both deceased workers' families under the Employees' Compensation Act.
The final investigation report has been submitted before the trial court, with the case now fixed for hearing on April 4, 2026. However, the commission's intervention ensures that the investigation will undergo fresh scrutiny to ensure justice for the victims and their families.
