NHRC Takes Suo Motu Cognizance of Septic Tank Tragedy in Odisha’s Kalahandi District

May 29, 2026 : The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report regarding the death of six persons and injury to another after inhaling toxic gases inside an under-construction septic tank in Gauda Karlakhunta village of Odisha’s Kalahandi district.

According to reports, the incident occurred on 26 May 2026 when workers were engaged in removing centering materials from a 10-foot-deep septic tank. A mason reportedly fell into the tank, following which several individuals, including the house owner and his son, entered the tank in an attempt to rescue him. They subsequently suffocated due to the presence of toxic gases.

Observing that the reported incident, if true, raises a serious issue of human rights violation, the Commission has issued notices to the Chief Secretary of Odisha and the Superintendent of Police, Kalahandi.

The NHRC has sought a detailed report within two weeks, including the status of the investigation, the health condition of the injured worker, and details regarding compensation provided to the victims and their families.