NHRC Orders Rs. 7.5 Lakh Compensation for Family of Victim Mauled by Stray Dogs at AMU Campus

NHRC Finds Negligence in Last Year’s Fatal Stray Dog Attack at AMU Campus, Orders Compensation

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has held the Government of Uttar Pradesh responsible for negligence in the case of Safadr Ali Khan, who was fatally attacked by stray dogs on the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) campus in April last year. The NHRC has directed the state government, through its Chief Secretary, to compensate Khan’s next of kin with Rs. 7.5 lakh. A compliance report, including proof of payment, has been requested within eight weeks.

The NHRC took suo motu cognizance of the case following a media report on April 17, 2023, detailing the tragic incident. Subsequently, notices were issued to the Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh, the Vice-Chancellor of AMU, and the Commissioner of Aligarh Municipal Corporation, seeking comprehensive reports on the matter and any relief provided to the deceased’s family.

Upon reviewing the responses, the NHRC issued a notice to the Chief Secretary to show cause why the compensation of Rs. 7.5 lakh should not be recommended for the victim’s family. Despite the Registrar of AMU’s assertion that the university had no specific instructions from the NHRC and was not responsible for the alleged human rights violations or negligence, the NHRC identified clear lapses by the authorities.

The NHRC observed that the authorities were attempting to evade accountability. It emphasized that the rights of the victim should not be compromised due to the negligence and abetment by public servants. Consequently, the Commission upheld its decision to award Rs. 7.5 lakh to the victim’s family.

The incident, which took place in a park within the AMU campus, involved a 65-year-old man, Safadr Ali Khan, who was brutally attacked by a pack of stray dogs during his morning walk. The attack, widely covered by media and circulated on social media, highlighted the urgent need for effective stray dog management and public safety measures within the campus and the city.

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