NHRC Issues Notices Over Cuddalore Train-Van Crash

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Thursday issued notices to the Chairman of the Railway Board, Tamil Nadu’s Chief Secretary, and the Director General of Police following the tragic July 8, 2025, collision between a school van and a passenger train at a level crossing in Semmankuppam, Cuddalore district, which killed three students—Charumathi (16), Sezhiyan (15), and Nimalesh (12)—and injured the van driver, C Sankar, and student V Viswesh. The NHRC, acting suo motu based on media reports, labeled the incident a serious human rights violation, demanding a detailed report within two weeks, including the health status of the injured.

The accident, involving the Villupuram-Mayiladuthurai passenger train (No. 56813) at a non-interlocked manned gate (No. 170), sparked conflicting accounts. Southern Railway claimed the gate was closed, but the van driver insisted on crossing, a claim disputed by Sankar and Viswesh, who told media the gate was open and gatekeeper Pankaj Sharma was absent. Investigations later confirmed Sharma’s negligence, leading to his arrest and suspension, with dismissal proceedings underway. Locals alleged prior safety lapses at the crossing.

The NHRC’s action follows Southern Railway’s admission that a sanctioned underpass, fully funded by the railways, has been stalled for a year due to the Cuddalore District Collector’s delay in granting permission. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and Southern Railway announced Rs 5 lakh ex-gratia payments for the deceased’s families, with additional aid for the injured. The tragedy has intensified demands for safety upgrades at level crossings.

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