NHRC notice to the Government of West Bengal over the reported deaths of nine labourers and injuries to several others in an illegal fireworks factory in East Midinipore district

New Delhi, 19th May, 2023

The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, India has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report that nine labourers were killed and at least five others were injured when an explosion ripped through an illegal fireworks factory at Khadikul village near Egra in East Midinipore district of West Bengal on 16th May, 2023. 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.

The Commission has observed that the contents of the media report, if true, amount to a violation of the human rights of the victims of the explosion due to the negligence of the concerned public authorities, who apparently did not take any action against the owner of the illegal fireworks factory.

Accordingly, it has issued notices to the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police, West Bengal calling for a detailed report in the matter within 4 weeks. It should include the status of the FIR registered by the police, medical treatment of the victims and compensation if any, granted to the Next of Kin of the deceased persons, and the injured. The Commission would also like to know about the action taken against the delinquent officers, responsible for the tragedy.

According to the media report, carried on 17th May, 2023, 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.

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