New Delhi: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognisance of the deaths of seven migrant labourers and injuries to five others after a massive granite rock collapsed at a quarry near Bengaluru on July 2.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Commission said the incident, which reportedly occurred due to negligence on the part of the quarry owner, raises serious concerns of human rights violations if the media reports are found to be true.
The NHRC has issued a notice to the Chief Secretary of Karnataka, directing the state government to submit a detailed report within two weeks on the incident.
According to media reports cited by the Commission, around 16 labourers were working at the quarry when the massive granite rock fell on them, killing seven workers and leaving five others injured.
The Commission noted that two stone crushers were operating in the area where the accident occurred. It said the report from the state government should include the findings of the ongoing investigation and the action taken in connection with the tragedy.
The quarry collapse, which claimed the lives of migrant workers, has triggered widespread concern, with several political leaders and organisations demanding strict action against those responsible and improved safety measures at quarry sites.
