15. Deaths in Fire Tragedy during a Fair at Meerut, Uttar Pradesh (Case No. 521/24/2006-2007) 6.250 As the Commission was satisfied with the action taken report submitted by the State authority, the case was closed on 24 October 2007. 16. Condition of Children in Children's Home at Meerut, Uttar Pradesh (Case No. 19884/24/20052006) 6.251 As the Government of Uttar Pradesh has complied with the recommendations made by the Commission on 30 May 2007, the case was closed. 17. Violation of Human Rights of Children in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh (Case No. 35707/24/20062007-WC) 6.252 The matter relates to the violation of human rights of children at Balaknath Ashram, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. The matter was referred to the Commission by the Supreme Court for investigation and submission of a report. Upon consideration of the Commission's report, the Supreme Court disposed off the writ petition. Since no further action remains to be taken in the matter, the case was closed by the Commission on 17 September 2007. 18. Killing of Four Scheduled Castes by a Crowd in Police Presence in Ara, Bihar (Case No.1099/4/2006-2007) 6.253 Pursuant to the Commission's direction dated 27 December 2006 and 4 June 2007, the Superintendent of Police, Bhojpur, Ara vide letter dated 12 August 2007 submitted that necessary directions have been issued for the security of witnesses of the incident and family members of the deceased. The report was singularly silent about the monetary relief to be given to the families of the deceased and the outcome of the crime case. The matter is under consideration of NHRC. 19. Auction of Scheduled Caste Woman Panchayat President in Madurai, Tamil Nadu (Case No. 802/22/2006-2007-WC) 6.254 On 20 November 2006, the Commission took suo motu cognizance of a news item that appeared in 'Indian Express' claiming that Balamani, a Scheduled Caste woman Panchayat President of Kodikulam village, was auctioned for Rs. 2.16 lakhs after the village decided that the highest bidder could use her as a “rubber stamp” for signing agreements and contracts for the village. The Commission directed the District Collector, Madurai to look into the matter and send a factual report to the Commission. 6.255 Pursuant to Commission's directions, the Director General of Police, Tamil Nadu, vide communication dated 6 March 2007, forwarded a copy of the report of the Superintendent of Police, Madurai, to the Commission, revealing that there was not an iota of truth in the news item. In Kodikulam Panchayat there was already an elected Panchayat President and Vice-President. National Human Rights Commission 81