New Delhi : The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report stating that a 12-year-old girl died due to jaundice allegedly caused by contaminated drinking water in Shahzadpur, Ambala district, Haryana. The report also stated that several other children in the locality have been diagnosed with jaundice.
According to the media report, residents have alleged that the drinking water supplied through a public tap in the area is contaminated.
The Commission observed that, if the allegations are true, the incident raises serious concerns of human rights violations. Accordingly, it has issued a notice to the Chief Secretary of Haryana, seeking a detailed report within two weeks.
The NHRC has directed that the report should include the health status of the children currently undergoing treatment as well as the steps being taken by the administration to address the issue and ensure safe drinking water.
According to media reports published on August 3, 2026, the girl was initially treated for jaundice at a local hospital. As her condition worsened, she was referred to PGIMER, Chandigarh, where she died during treatment.