National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Friday issued notices to the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police, West Bengal, calling for a detailed report on the alleged death of nine labourers in an explosion in an illegal fireworks factory
The NHRC has sought the report within four weeks.
The Commission has sought the status of the FIR registered by the police, medical treatment of the victims. It would also like to know about the action taken against the delinquent officers, responsible for the tragedy in Khadikul village of East Midinipore district, the NHRC said in a statement.
According to the media report, carried on May 17, the incident triggered mob fury as the villagers scuffled with the police, accusing them of a nexus with the factory owner who had been allowed to run the illegal factory despite their repeated appeals for its closure. The villagers have claimed that at least 15 labourers were working inside when the blast occurred, the statement stated.
The Commission took suo motu cognizance of a media report that nine labourers were killed and at least five others were injured when the explosion ripped through the illegal fireworks factory near Egra on May 16. Reportedly, the villagers claimed that the owner of the factory has long been engaged in the making of bombs, besides fireworks but no visible action was taken by the authorities despite complaints, it said.
