Speed Post News Network
New Delhi: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken serious note of the reported callous attitude of Railway staff, on board the trains, leading to the death of two passengers within a span of two weeks as they were not provided any medical assistance, despite requests, even as the trains passed through various stations. The NHRC has issued notice to the Chairman, Railway Board, calling for reports in both the incidents within four weeks along with information on the arrangements put in place for providing emergency medical health to the passengers during the journey.
Taking suo motu cognizance of both the incidents reported in the media, the NHRC has also noted that its seems the Railway staff including the RPF on board the trains and the ground staff at stations, appear to be totally unaware of their accountability towards the health and safety needs of passengers. It has observed that the contents of the news reports are extremely painful. The two precious human lives could have been saved if timely medical help to both the passengers was provided.
In the first incident, Afsari Bano, 17, fell ill on board the ‘Godan Express’ and despite repeated requests by her mother to the Guard, she was not provided any medical assistance at any station enroute 389 km between Kalyan and Bhusawal on the 31st July, 2016. Not only that, her body remained in the coach for another 741 km , when at Satna finally, it was brought down the next morning.
In the second incident, Mohammad Asif, 21,, on board the Utkal Express suffered from loose motion and vomiting. The victim made several requests to the TTE. for help. The train stopped at about 20 small and big railway stations, but he was not provided medial aid. It was too late to save his life when finally after more than 15 hours of painful journey he was eventually deboarded at Bilaspur and taken to a hospital.