Taking suo motu cognisance of media reports, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Tuesday issued notices to the Railways and the Haryana government over the attack on an on duty gateman at a level crossing near Sonepat on Sunday night.
Three bike-borne men attacked the Railways’ employee with sharp objects, hacking his left arm, stated the reports. They allegedly left him and his friend in a pool of blood, an NHRC statement noted.
“The Commission, on the basis of the media reports, has observed that whatever be the reason behind this gruesome act, it clearly indicates that there were no security arrangements for the safety of on-duty staff leading to violation of his human rights,” the NHRC said.
Issuing notices to the Haryana Chief Secretary, Director General of Police and Railway Board chairperson, the NHRC sought detailed reports within four weeks. The Railway Board chairperson was asked to provide information about steps to be taken, if not already taken, to prevent such attacks.
The assailants injured the gateman after he refused to open the crossing gate between Narela in north Delhi and Rathdhana in Sonepat as a train was approaching, the reports said. The gateman has been admitted to hospital for surgery, while an FIR has been lodged in Sonepat.