NHRC seeks reports on Punjab LPG blast, Tamil Nadu deaths
By Doruvu Paul Jagan Babu: Assistant Chief Editor
New Delhi: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India, has taken suo motu cognizance of two separate media reports highlighting human rights concerns—one relating to the plight of victims of a deadly LPG tanker blast in Punjab and the other on the death of two sanitation workers in Tamil Nadu. In both cases, the Commission has issued notices to the respective authorities, seeking detailed reports within two weeks.
Blast victims in Punjab still struggling
According to a media report dated 23rd September, seven people were killed and several properties damaged after an LPG tanker blast in Mandiala village, Hoshiarpur, Punjab, more than a month ago.
While compensation has reportedly been released to the kin of the deceased, assessment of property damage is still pending, leaving affected families unable to rebuild their houses and shops.
The Commission has sought reports from the Chief Secretary, Punjab Government, the Senior Superintendent of Police, Hoshiarpur, and the Chief Controller of Explosives, Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, on the status of the investigation and rehabilitation measures.
Sanitation workers die in Tamil Nadu pipeline work
In another incident highlighted by the Commission, two sanitation workers died of asphyxiation on 22nd September while working on a newly constructed underground drainage pipeline near Carmel Garden in the Muthunagar area of Tiruverumbur, Tiruchirappalli district, Tamil Nadu.
The workers, reportedly engaged by a construction firm for the Tiruchy Corporation, were allegedly not provided clarity on safety equipment, raising concerns about negligence.
The NHRC has issued notices to the Commissioner, Tiruchirappalli Municipal Corporation, and the Superintendent of Police, Tiruchirappalli, calling for a detailed report on the incident, including the status of the investigation and compensation for the victims’ families.
Commission flags human rights concerns
In both cases, the NHRC noted that the facts reported, if true, point to serious human rights violations, affecting both survivors and victims’ families. The Commission has stressed the need for timely accountability, safety compliance, and adequate compensation.
