Probe deaths of aspirants: SHRC to state

An SHRC bench headed by chairman S R Bannurmath issued the directive on an application filed by BJP MP Dr Kirit Somaiya, who claimed the state authorities had not made adequate arrangements for candidates.

Referring to a circular by the authorities on the recruitment process, the MP told the commission that the recruitment camps did not did not have proper drinking water, food and medical facilities.

“It is strictly mentioned in the circular that physical tests, including running for five kms by male candidates, must be concluded before 9 am and if needed, scheduled after 4.30 pm,” Somaiya’s application pointed out.

It further said that on the concluding day of the drive, water was stored in “dirty water drums”.

“No arrangements for accommodation was made for the participants at the test spots. No tents were available and candidates had to lie down on the footpaths and open grounds,” the application alleged.

Somaiya also told the commission that candidates had to wait for two-three hours out in the open in “completely inhuman conditions”.

“It is shocking that no government department or officials bothered to help the poor victims for their hospitalisation and medical treatment,” the application said.

“The state has declared a compensation of Rs 5 lakh to the family of the deceased candidates, but nothing has been declared for those who are hospitalised and are undergoing treatment. Urgent financial assistance is required for them as they come for very poor families,” advocate Yashodeep Deshmukh, who moved the SHRC with similar grievances as that of Somaiya’s, told the commission. Deshmukh has been appointed amicus curiae by the commission.

According to the application, thousands of aspiring candidates appeared for physical tests along the Eastern Express Highway between Bhandup and Ghatkopar at Vikhroli and four among them died due exhaustion earlier this week.

The commission has asked the state government, state Director General of Police and Mumbai police commissioner to conduct an inquiry within three weeks.

Meanwhile, the Bombay High Court Monday converted a letter written by All Maharashtra Human Rights Welfare Association over the deaths into a PIL and issued notices to the additional home secretary of the state government and the director general of police while posting the matter for June 23.

The letter had sought directions to the state stay the recruitment drive and issue guidelines to monitor it.

About 96,000 candidates from across the state had signed up for physical test conducted on June 9 as part of the recruitment drive for jobs in the constabulary. After completing the five-km run, 42 candidates had complained of stomach ache, cramps, vomiting and respiratory problems.

They were admitted in different hospitals in the eastern suburbs. While two candidates died the very next day, two others died in the same week. The deceased were in their early twenties.