NHRC notices to the Government of West Bengal over the reported yet another firecracker blast in the State resulting in the death of two persons in Malda town

New Delhi, 26th May, 2023

The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, India has taken suo motu of a media report that in yet another firecracker blast in West Bengal, two persons died in Malda town on 23rd May, 2023. Reportedly, the locals have alleged that the illegal hoarding of firecrackers and carbide can be seen just a few meters away from a police post and the Municipality. Three such blasts have happened in the State resulting in the death of 16 people in eight days.

The Commission has observed that the contents of the media report, if true, amount to the violation of the human rights of the victims of the blast. Apparently, there is a lack of supervision by the state authorities, which is resulting in such repeated incidents within a short period.

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 also 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.

It may be recalled that the Commission had recently taken suo motu cognizance of a similar incident in the East Medinipore district of the State wherein at least nine persons had died and many sustained injuries after a blast at an illegal fireworks factory. The reports are awaited from the State Government in the matter.

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