New Delhi, April 28 (IANS) The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognisance of a media report regarding an explosion and subsequent fire at a chemical factory in Gujarat’s Bharuch district that left at least 16 workers injured. ​

Observing that the contents of the news report, if true, raise serious issues of human rights violations of the victims, the apex human rights body has issued notices to the Chief Secretary of Gujarat and the Superintendent of Police, Bharuch, seeking a detailed report within two weeks. ​

The NHRC said the report is expected to include the current health status of the injured workers, the progress of the investigation, and details of any compensation provided to the victims. ​

According to media reports, the incident occurred on April 23 at a chemical factory in the Jhagadia GIDC industrial estate in Bharuch district. ​

Preliminary inquiries reportedly suggested that technical or chemical factors may have led to the explosion and fire. The injured workers were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment. ​

The incident has raised concerns about industrial safety standards in the region and the need for strict adherence to safety protocols to prevent similar incidents. ​

Taking note of the matter, the NHRC has sought a comprehensive report from the concerned authorities for further examination. Established under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, the NHRC, an autonomous statutory body, embodies India’s concern for the promotion and protection of human rights. ​

Its primary role is to protect and promote human rights, defined as the rights relating to life, liberty, equality, and the dignity of individuals, guaranteed by the Constitution or embodied in international covenants, and enforceable by courts in India. ​

The apex human rights body has the power to take suo motu (on its own motion) action based on media reports, public knowledge, or other sources, without receiving a formal complaint of human rights violations. ​

–IANS

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