The Supreme Court on Friday agreed to hear a plea seeking registration of an FIR against the nephew of Khurai MLA Bhupendra Singh in connection with an incident in which a child allegedly suffered 70% permanent disability after coming in contact with a high-tension wire at a stone crushing unit in Madhya Pradesh.
A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta issued notices to the Madhya Pradesh government and other respondents, directing them to file their replies within four weeks.
The petition, filed through advocate Satya Mitra, claimed that the incident took place when the minor boy climbed an illegally dumped heap of crushed stones behind a playground in Khurai to retrieve his ball and accidentally touched a live high-tension wire. The child, who sustained severe injuries, had to undergo amputation of one hand. Doctors declared him 70% disabled.
The plea alleged that the heap of stones belonged to Lakhan Singh, nephew of Bhupendra Singh, who also allegedly owns the stone crusher unit. It further claimed that despite repeated directions from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to register an FIR, provide interim relief, and relocate the mining site away from residential areas, authorities failed to act.
Senior advocate Colin Gonsalves, appearing for the petitioners, told the court that the NHRC had issued multiple directions, including payment of compensation and ensuring medical treatment for the victim. However, instead of registering an FIR against the accused, an FIR was allegedly lodged against a social worker who supported the victim’s family.
The petition also alleged that the child’s family has faced continuous harassment and threats since attempting to lodge the complaint. It claimed that the political influence of MLA Bhupendra Singh has prevented law enforcement agencies from acting against his nephew.
The plea sought immediate closure of the alleged illegal mining operations in Khurai, registration of an FIR against Lakhan Singh and Bhupendra Singh, and compliance with NHRC directives. It also requested compensation of ₹1 crore for the victim, along with continued medical assistance.
The Supreme Court will take up the matter after responses are filed by the state government and other parties.
