NHRC, India takes suo motu cognizance of the reported death of several workers in an explosion at a private industrial unit in the Anakapalli district of Andhra Pradesh

Press Release

National Human Rights Commission

New Delhi: 23rd August, 2024

NHRC, India takes suo motu cognizance of the reported death of several workers in an explosion at a private industrial unit in the Anakapalli district of Andhra Pradesh

Issues notices to the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police, Andhra Pradesh

Directs for a thorough probe to find any negligence in the safety norms in the detailed report expected within two weeks

Also seeks the status of the FIR, the health and medical treatment of the injured and the disbursement of compensation to the families of the dead and injured

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India has taken suo motu cognizance of media reports that at least 17 workers died and 50 others were injured in a reactor blast at a private industrial unit at Atchutapuram Special Economic Zone in Anakapalli district of Andhra Pradesh on 21st August, 2024. The Reasons behind the explosion are still not clear. Reportedly, the State Disasters Response Force teams are searching for any survivors in the debris after the blast. However, it is apprehended that the death toll may increase as bodies are feared trapped. It is not clear how many workers were on duty at the time of the blast.

The Commission has observed that the contents of the media reports indicate violations of the victims' Right to life due to the concerned authorities' negligence. Accordingly, it has issued notices to the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police, Andhra Pradesh directing a thorough investigation to check whether all the safety norms and legal provisions were being strictly followed by the owner of the industrial unit and supervised by the authorities concerned and submit a detailed report within two weeks.

It is expected to include the status of the FIR, updated information on the health and medical treatment of the injured, disbursement of the compensation, and any other relief/ rehabilitation provided to the injured as well as the families of the dead workers. The Commission would also like to know about the action taken against the delinquent officers, responsible for the tragedy.

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