NHRC Issues Notice Over Raipur Factory Explosion That Killed Three Workers in Chhattisgarh

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued notices to the Chhattisgarh government and the state police chief over the reported death of three workers and injuries to several others in a factory explosion in Raipur’s Urla industrial area . The rights body has sought a detailed action report from the authorities within two weeks .

The NHRC took suo motu cognisance of a media report regarding the incident, which occurred on July 7 . According to the report, an explosion allegedly took place at a factory after an oxygen cylinder burst , resulting in the deaths of at least three workers and injuries to several others.

The Commission said that if the contents of the media report are found to be true, the incident raises serious concerns over possible human rights violations , particularly related to workers’ safety and protection at industrial workplaces.

Following this, the NHRC issued notices to the Chief Secretary of Chhattisgarh and the Director General of Police (DGP) , seeking a comprehensive report on the incident. The report is expected to include details about the current health status of injured workers , the investigation into the cause of the explosion, and information on any compensation provided to the families of deceased workers and those injured .

Media reports had stated that the injured workers were immediately shifted to nearby hospitals for medical treatment following the blast, while the factory was shut down after the incident.

The NHRC’s intervention comes as part of its mandate to examine cases involving alleged violations of basic rights, including the right to life and safe working conditions. The Commission has sought details from the state authorities to determine whether safety protocols were followed and whether any negligence contributed to the tragedy.

In separate cases, the NHRC also sought reports from authorities in Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand over incidents involving the death of a worker during sewer cleaning in Ujjain and a snakebite incident at a residential school hostel in Lohardaga, where one student died.