Patiala/New Delhi, September 3(HS): In a disturbing turn of events, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India has taken suo motu cognizance of media reports concerning a stray dog allegedly seen carrying the severed head of an infant near the Government Rajindra Hospital in Patiala district, Punjab. The alleged incident reportedly occurred on August 26, 2025, triggering widespread shock and public outrage.

According to eyewitness accounts, stray dogs were spotted roaming freely in and around the hospital premises, with attendants of patients alleging recurring lapses in sanitation, security, and general upkeep at the state-run facility. Several visitors claimed that the lack of supervision has turned the hospital’s surroundings unhygienic and unsafe.

Taking note of the grave implications of the report, the Commission observed that if the facts are accurate, the episode raises serious concerns of gross negligence and possible human rights violations. Accordingly, the NHRC has issued formal notices to the Chief Secretary, Government of Punjab, and the Senior Superintendent of Police, Patiala. Both authorities have been directed to furnish a detailed factual report within two weeks.

Meanwhile, hospital administration has sought to downplay speculation. The Medical Superintendent of Government Rajindra Hospital stated that no case of a missing infant has been reported from the hospital. He further clarified that in all recent child fatalities, the bodies were duly handed over to families with proper documentation. Expressing apprehension, he suggested that the remains might have been discarded by unknown persons outside the premises and later dragged in by animals.

The incident has nonetheless exposed glaring concerns about safety and hygiene standards at government healthcare facilities. Civil society activists and patient families have demanded urgent intervention to curb the menace of stray animals within sensitive hospital zones, stressing that such negligence erodes public faith in medical institutions meant to be sanctuaries of care.

As the NHRC seeks comprehensive responses from Punjab authorities, the matter has once again spotlighted systemic issues of infrastructural lapses, accountability gaps, and public safety risks in state-run hospitals across the country.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar