Kerala Human Rights Commission Probes Railway's Stand on Sanitation Worker's Tragic Death

The Kerala State Human Rights Commission has asked Railways to clarify its position on the death of sanitation worker Joy, who drowned while cleaning a canal. The commission initiated proceedings based on news reports and has already issued notices to local authorities. The Railways must respond within seven days.

The Kerala State Human Rights Commission (KSHRC) has demanded a response from the Railways concerning the tragic death of sanitation worker Joy, who drowned in a waste-filled canal during a cleaning operation in Thiruvananthapuram.

KSHRC Acting Chairperson-cum-Judicial Member K Byjunath emphasized the need to hear the Railways' perspective before concluding the investigation. The commission initiated its proceedings based on media reports and issued notices to the Thiruvananthapuram district collector and municipal secretary.

On Wednesday, the KSHRC extended notice to the Railways, holding them accountable as the canal falls under their jurisdiction and Joy was employed by their contractor on a temporary basis. The Railways have been given a seven-day deadline to reply. Joy's body was discovered in the Amayizhanchan canal after a search operation, highlighting grave concerns over worker safety.

(With inputs from agencies.)