NHRC issues notice to Punjab government over reports of stray dog seen carrying baby’s head near Patiala government hospital

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Wednesday (September 3, 2025) issued a notice to the Punjab government in response to reports of a stray dog seen carrying the severed head of an infant near the Government Rajindra Hospital in Patiala district on August 26.

Patients’ attendants have reportedly been complaining that stray dogs are often found roaming freely inside the hospital premises, the NHRC said in a statement. They have also alleged poor sanitation, lack of security, and negligence by the hospital authorities, it said.

The NHRC cited a media report quoting the hospital’s medical superintendent, who insisted that no baby has been found missing from the hospital. In all recent cases of the deaths of children, the bodies were handed over to their families after proper documentation, he said, reportedly expressing apprehension that the remains may have been dumped outside the hospital premises.

Observing that the incident is a serious case of human rights violation, the Commission issued a notice to the Punjab Chief Secretary and the Senior Superintendent of Police, Patiala, asking for a detailed report on the matter within two weeks.