The National Human Rights Commission has taken suo motu cognizance of three separate incidents involving alleged human rights violations and safety lapses in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, issuing notices to the concerned authorities and seeking detailed reports within two weeks.
In the first case, the Commission took cognizance of a reported hazardous gas leakage at a chemical unit in the Boisar MIDC area of Palghar district in Maharashtra on 2 March 2026. According to media reports, a massive leak of oleum gas, also known as fuming sulphuric acid, led to the evacuation of more than 2600 people, including around 1600 students, from the surrounding area.
The gas reportedly spread within a radius of nearly five kilometres, prompting authorities to move residents and students to safer locations. Three persons reportedly complained of minor eye irritation due to exposure to the gas. The exact cause of the leakage is yet to be determined.
Observing that the reported incident, if true, raises serious concerns relating to the protection of human rights and public safety, the National Human Rights Commission has issued a notice to the Chief Secretary of Maharashtra, directing the state government to submit a comprehensive report on the matter within two weeks.
In a second case, the Commission has taken suo motu cognizance of the reported death of two sanitation workers in a sewer chamber in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, on 2 March 2026. The victims were workers of the Indore Municipal Corporation.
According to media reports, the workers had entered the sewer chamber to retrieve a portion of a suction tanker pipe that had fallen inside during a dewatering operation. While inside the chamber, they reportedly fell unconscious due to exposure to toxic gases. The workers were pulled out and taken to a hospital where they were declared dead.
Taking serious note of the incident, the Commission observed that the deaths raise concerns about the violation of the human rights of sanitation workers and possible negligence in ensuring occupational safety. Notices have been issued to the Indore Municipal Corporation and the Police Commissioner of Indore seeking a detailed report within two weeks. The Commission has also asked the authorities to include information on the progress of the investigation and whether compensation has been provided to the next of kin of the victims.
In a third case, the Commission has taken cognizance of a major industrial accident at an explosives manufacturing unit located at Raulgaon in Katol taluka of Nagpur district in Maharashtra. According to reports, the incident occurred at around 7 am on 1 March 2026 in the packing section of the factory, resulting in the death of at least 18 workers and injuries to 24 others.
Several injured workers reportedly sustained severe burn injuries ranging from 30 to 80 percent, along with other serious trauma. Preliminary findings cited in media reports have suggested possible violations of provisions under the Explosives Act and the Factories Act.
Authorities have reportedly registered a case of culpable homicide against the factory management. The Commission observed that the reported incident raises grave concerns regarding worker safety and potential violations of the human rights of the victims.
Accordingly, notices have been issued to the Chief Secretary of Maharashtra and the Director General of Police seeking a detailed report within two weeks. The Commission has asked that the report include the current health status of the injured persons, progress of the investigation and details of compensation provided to the families of the deceased workers and to the injured.
Through these actions, the National Human Rights Commission has emphasised the need for strict adherence to industrial safety standards, occupational protection measures and administrative accountability to prevent such incidents and safeguard the rights and safety of citizens and workers.
