The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) recently issued notice to West Bengal’s Chief Secretary and Director General of Police in connection with another firecracker blast in Malda.
According to locals, illegal hoarding of firecrackers and carbide can be seen just a few meters away from a police station and the Municipality.
In the last eight days, three such explosions have occurred in the state, killing 16 people.
The Commission has determined that the contents of the media report, if true, constitute a violation of the victims’ human rights. Apparently, there is a lack of supervision by state authorities, which is resulting in such a high number of incidents in such a short period of time.
As a result, the Commission requested a detailed report from the relevant authorities within four weeks.
It should also include the status of the police FIR, medical treatment of the victims, and any compensation granted to the Next of Kin of the deceased and injured.
The NHRC would also like to know what action was taken against the officers who were responsible for the tragedy.
It should be noted that the Commission recently took suo motu cognizance of a similar incident in the East Medinipore district of the State, in which at least nine people died and many were injured following a blast at an illegal fireworks factory.
The State Government’s reports on the matter are awaited.
