New Delhi, August 29th, 2012

The National Human Rights Commission has taken cognizance of a media report, forwarded by a complainant, alleging that three persons including two women workers and one child died hungry in absence of any help at Kumlai Tea Estate under Malbazar in Jalpaiguri District, West Bengal. Issuing notice to the Chief Secretary Government of West Bengal returnable within four weeks, the Commission has observed that the contents of press report, if true, raise a serious issue of violation of human rights of the workers.

The media report carried on the 3rd August, 2012 also alleged that the Kumlai Tea Estate is reeling under serious problems mainly due to financial constraints. The workers are yet to get 62 weeks ration and two months wages. Reportedly the Kumlai Tea Estate is abandoned by the management.

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