New Delhi: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued notices to the Chairman of the Railway Board and the Director General of the Railway Protection Force (RPF) following a complaint regarding the alleged killing of an army personnel aboard a moving train in Rajasthan. The Commission has directed the authorities to investigate the allegations and submit an action taken report within two weeks.

The complaint, filed by the convenor of the Sahyadri Rights Forum, detailed an incident reportedly involving a “coach attendant” on a train in Rajasthan. The forum sought the intervention of the NHRC to ensure an impartial investigation, appropriate punishment for the accused and any complicit staff, and protection of the rights of defence personnel. The forum also demanded justice and compensation for the victim’s family.

According to the proceedings of the case dated November 6, the NHRC described the allegations as prima facie “serious violations” of the human rights of the army personnel. The bench of the NHRC, presided over by member Priyank Kanoongo, has taken cognisance of the matter under Section 12 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.

“The registry is directed to issue a notice to the Chairman, Railway Board, New Delhi, and DG, RPF, New Delhi, with directions to get the allegations made in the complaint inquired into and to submit an action taken report within two weeks for perusal of the Commission,” the NHRC proceedings stated.

The Commission has also asked the railway authorities to submit a detailed report on the procedures followed for engaging personnel as attendants. This includes whether a formal mechanism exists to conduct police verification of individuals prior to their engagement. Authorities have been asked to provide detailed information about any police verification conducted in respect of the accused attendant.

If the attendant was hired through an external agency, the NHRC has requested that complete details of the agency be furnished. Additionally, authorities are expected to provide information regarding the skill training, qualifications, and prior experience required for engagement as a coach attendant, along with supporting documents from the Indian Railways outlining these criteria.

The NHRC’s directive emphasizes the need for accountability and proper scrutiny in cases involving alleged violations of human rights, particularly when the victim is a member of the armed forces. The incident has raised concerns regarding the safety and security of passengers, including defence personnel, aboard Indian Railways trains.

The Commission’s notice aims to ensure that proper mechanisms are in place to prevent recurrence of such incidents, including vetting of staff, training, and adherence to procedural norms. By seeking detailed reports on recruitment and verification processes, the NHRC intends to examine whether systemic lapses contributed to the alleged incident.

The authorities now have two weeks to provide a comprehensive response, including findings of the inquiry, the measures taken against the accused, and documentation regarding staff recruitment and training procedures. The NHRC will review the submissions to determine further action, which may include recommendations for policy reforms, compensation, or legal proceedings against the responsible personnel.

This case underscores the NHRC’s role in safeguarding human rights and ensuring that law enforcement and public institutions remain accountable, especially in sensitive cases involving members of the armed forces. The commission’s swift intervention is being closely monitored by civil society groups, defence associations, and the public, highlighting concerns about safety standards and procedural oversight within Indian Railways.