The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued notices to the Deputy Commissioner and Senior Superintendent of Police of Dhanbad, as well as to the Chairman-cum-Managing Director of Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL), seeking an Action Taken Report within seven days over two fatal incidents reported earlier this month in Baghmara block.
The notices were issued after a complaint filed by Uttam Mukherjee, former chairperson of the Child Rights Committee, who alleged that violations of safety norms and illegal mining activities led to the tragic accidents. According to the complaint, on September 5, a vehicle carrying contractual workers plunged nearly 300 feet into water near Butu Babu Bungalow in Ramkanali area, resulting in six deaths.
In a parallel incident, several houses in the vicinity collapsed, causing injuries and property loss.
Mukherjee alleged that the outsourced company engaged by BCCL was operating without adhering to safety standards. He further claimed that roads were unsafe, blasting was carried out recklessly, and coal mafias were involved in illegal mining operations, including the reported use of child labour. The complaint stated that these practices not only caused the accidents but also posed a continuous threat to human lives and constituted serious violations of human rights.
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Taking cognizance of the matter under Section 12 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, the NHRC bench led by member Priyank Kanoongo directed its registry to issue notices to the concerned authorities. The Commission has sought a detailed inquiry into the allegations and a status report on the action taken within a week.
The notice was served by Brijvir Singh, Assistant Registrar (Law) of NHRC, in compliance with the Commission’s directive.
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