In a significant development, the Haryana Human Rights Commission (HHRC) has delivered a scathing critique of the police investigation into the tragic deaths of two workers during sewer cleaning operations at a hotel in Hansi. The commission has labeled the probe as biased, suspicious, and deliberately designed to protect the real culprits from facing legal consequences.
Commission's Strong Observations on Investigative Flaws
The full commission, comprising Chairperson Justice Lalit Batra along with members Kuldip Jain and Deep Bhatia, reviewed the police report and found it deeply flawed. They observed that the manner in which the investigation was conducted clearly indicated a deliberate attempt to shield those responsible from accountability. Documents presented on record revealed what the commission described as a well-planned effort to divert liability away from the guilty parties.
Questionable Documents and Legal Manipulation
Specifically, the commission raised serious doubts about the authenticity of the appointment letter of the hotel's assistant manager. Noting that the letter bore no date, the commission suggested it appeared to have been fabricated after the incident to absolve the hotel owner of responsibility. Such actions, the commission stated, amount to a blatant misuse of both law and morality.
Furthermore, the commission expressed grave concern over a legal opinion dated November 13, 2025, rendered by the deputy district attorney. This opinion led to the dilution of charges from Section 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) to Section 106 (death by negligence) without any proper justification. The commission emphasized that this unexplained change raises serious doubts about the intent and credibility of both the legal opinion and the investigating agency involved.
Institutional Accountability Under Scrutiny
The commission made it clear that this case goes beyond mere investigative lapses. It appears to reflect an institutional effort to evade accountability, which is unacceptable in incidents involving the loss of human life. The commission asserted that superficial explanations and cosmetic investigations will not be tolerated, emphasizing that human life cannot be reduced to mere procedural formalities.
Compensation and Justice
While acknowledging that compensation of Rs 30 lakh each was paid to the families of the deceased workers, the commission underlined that monetary compensation alone does not constitute justice. Fixing responsibility and ensuring that the real culprits are brought to justice is imperative. The commission stressed that true justice requires accountability and legal action against those responsible for the fatalities.
Commission's Directives and Future Proceedings
Taking a serious view of the matter, the full commission has directed the superintendent of police in Hansi to re-examine the case thoroughly. A detailed report must be submitted at least one week before the next hearing, scheduled for February 18, 2026. The SP has also been ordered to appear in person before the commission.
In addition, the deputy superintendent of police who conducted the initial investigation and the deputy district attorney who issued the disputed legal opinion have been summoned to appear before the commission. The commission further expressed displeasure over the failure of the Municipal Council/Gram Panchayat and the hotel management to submit their reports, warning that continued non-compliance with its directions will be viewed seriously.
