New Delhi, July 29, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognisance of the death of four workers and serious injuries suffered by two others in a factory blast in Assam’s Cachar district, and has sought a detailed report from the state authorities within two weeks.
The human rights body has issued notices to the Assam Chief Secretary and the Cachar Superintendent of Police, stating that the reported incident, if found true, raises serious concerns regarding possible violations of the human rights of the victims.
The NHRC has asked the authorities to provide details about the current health condition of the injured workers and the status of compensation provided to the families of those killed and injured in the incident.
According to reports, the explosion took place on July 26 at around 11 a.m. inside a metal processing unit in Cachar district when molten metal reportedly exploded. Four workers died on the spot, while two others sustained severe injuries.
The commission noted that more than 100 workers were present at the factory when the blast occurred. It also took note of allegations by victims’ families and local residents that similar incidents had taken place at the facility earlier.
The explosion was reportedly powerful enough to be heard across nearby areas. Local residents have alleged that the intensity of the blast caused severe damage to the victims.
Meanwhile, five people, including factory owner Rakesh Kumar Surana, have been arrested in connection with the incident following directions from Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. Police have registered a case and said further investigation is underway.
A team from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) has inspected the factory premises to collect scientific evidence and determine the sequence of events that led to the explosion.
The deceased workers have been identified as Appu Boraik, Kiron Munda, Shyamal Gaur and Sagar Nath, who was a resident of Agartala in Tripura.
The Assam government has announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 5 lakh each to the families of the four deceased workers.
Earlier, Assam Minister Kaushik Rai said that a magisterial inquiry, police investigation and a separate Labour Department probe had been ordered to determine the cause of the blast and examine whether required industrial safety norms were followed.
Police have also said that allegations regarding previous incidents at the factory and claims of attempts to conceal the seriousness of earlier accidents will be examined as part of the ongoing investigation.
FOLLOW NOW
