NHRC Takes Suo Motu Cognizance of Drowning Death of Four Children in Nanded

April 24, 2026 : The National Human Rights Commission has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report concerning the tragic drowning of four children on 16 April 2026 in a 15-foot-deep pit near an ongoing drain construction site in the Islampura area of Nanded district, Maharashtra. The pit had reportedly filled with wastewater during civic work undertaken by the local municipal body.

Observing that the incident, if confirmed, raises serious concerns of human rights violations, the Commission has issued notices to the Commissioner of Nanded Waghala City Municipal Corporation, the District Magistrate, and the Superintendent of Police, Nanded. They have been directed to submit a detailed report within two weeks, including information on the victims’ families, health status of any survivors, and compensation provided to the next of kin.

As per the media report published on 17 April 2026, the children were playing near the construction site and entered the water without realizing its depth. Despite prompt rescue efforts by local residents and police, all four children could not be saved.