NHRC takes suo motu cognisance as Vedanta plant blast toll rises to 25

RAIPUR: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognisance of the Vedanta power plant accident in Chhattisgarh’s Sakti district, even as the death toll in the April 14 boiler explosion climbed to 25 with one more injured worker succumbing during treatment on Friday. Taking note of media reports on the incident, the NHRC has issued notices to the Chhattisgarh chief secretary and the director general of police, seeking a detailed report within two weeks. The Commission has observed that the incident, if true, raises serious concerns of human rights violations.It has asked the state government to furnish details on compensation disbursal to the victims’ families and the current health status of the injured workers.The latest victim was identified as Biswajit Sahu, who was undergoing treatment in Raipur. Officials said he suffered a second cardiac arrest and could not be revived despite CPR and defibrillation efforts.The explosion at the Singhitarai-based plant had released extremely hot steam, leaving 35 workers affected. Of these, 25 have died so far, three remain critical, five are under observation, and two have been discharged.The blast, which occurred on April 14, had initially claimed four lives on the spot, with the toll rising steadily as critically injured workers continued to battle severe burn injuries.