NHRC Takes Cognizance of Death in Sonipat Dog Bite Case

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of a reported death of a 44-year-old man in Sonipat, Haryana, allegedly caused by medical negligence following a dog bite. The Commission has issued notices to the Director of the Directorate of General Health Services, Haryana, and the Commissioner of Sonipat Municipal Corporation, seeking a detailed report within two weeks. 

The report is expected to outline steps taken or proposed to prevent recurrence of such incidents, along with details of any compensation provided to the next of kin of the deceased. 

Allegations in Sonipat Dog Bite Case 

According to a media report dated 17th March 2026, the man was bitten by a stray dog on 15th February while collecting garbage. His family took him to a civil hospital in Sonipat, where anti-rabies vaccine and serum were reportedly unavailable. He was then referred to Raja Harishchandra Hospital in Narela, Delhi, where he received treatment for 10 days before being discharged on 25th February. 

Sequence of Events Before Death 

On 3rd March, the patient reportedly developed a fever and was taken back to the same hospital in Narela, but was not admitted due to a holiday on account of Holi. The family then returned home and later sought treatment at a private hospital on 5th March, which referred the patient to an ESI dispensary. He was subsequently taken to PGI Rohtak, where he died. 

NHRC Observations 

The Commission noted that, if the contents of the report are accurate, the incident raises a serious issue of violation of the victim’s human rights. It also referenced allegations that municipal authorities failed to control the stray dog population in the area.