New Delhi: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognisance of the collapse of an under-construction warehouse in Kolkata that claimed the lives of at least five labourers and left around 20 others injured.
The Commission has issued notices to the Chief Secretary of West Bengal, the Kolkata Police Commissioner, and the Municipal Commissioner, seeking a detailed report on the incident within two weeks.
According to the NHRC, media reports suggest that the collapse occurred on June 24 in Kolkata’s Taratala area while around 40 labourers were working at the site. The incident allegedly took place after the concrete casting of an iron structure gave way, trapping several workers under the debris.
The Commission observed that if the reported facts are true, they raise serious concerns over the violation of human rights. It also noted allegations that the tragedy may have resulted from a faulty building plan approved by the authorities.
The NHRC has sought details on the progress of the investigation, the circumstances leading to the collapse, and whether compensation has been paid to the families of the deceased and the injured workers.
The building collapse had triggered a major rescue operation involving multiple agencies and renewed concerns over construction safety standards and regulatory oversight.
