NHRC takes suo motu cognisance of infant’s severed head found with stray dog near Patiala hospital

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognisance of a media report regarding a stray dog seen carrying the severed head of an infant near the Government Rajindra Hospital in Patiala district, Punjab.
The incident, which occurred on August 26, has raised serious concerns over alleged lapses in hospital security, sanitation, and general negligence. As per the media report published on August 27, patient attendants have alleged that stray dogs frequently roam freely within the hospital premises, pointing to long-standing issues of poor infrastructure and inadequate management, as per the NHRC statement here today.
Taking note of the gravity of the incident, the Commission observed that, if true, the reported facts amount to a serious violation of human rights. It has accordingly issued notices to the Chief Secretary, Government of Punjab, and the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Patiala, directing them to submit detailed reports within two weeks.
Responding to the media coverage, the Medical Superintendent of the hospital has reportedly stated that no infant has been reported missing from the hospital. He further noted that in all recent paediatric deaths, bodies were duly handed over to the families following proper documentation. The official expressed apprehension that the remains may have been discarded outside the hospital premises by an unidentified individual, said the statement.
The Commission has sought a comprehensive account of the circumstances surrounding the incident, including action taken by the authorities and steps proposed to prevent such occurrences in the future.