NHRC sends notice to Maharashtra govt. over death of workers in well

The National Human Rights Commission on Wednesday sent a notice to the Maharashtra government after the death of five workers, who inhaled poisonous gas while cleaning a well in the Yavatmal district of the state.

Taking suo motu cognisance of a media report of the incident, the commission observed that the human rights of the victims had been violated and called for Maharashtra Chief Secretary to submit a report on the same within two weeks.

The NHRC also directed the Maharashtra Chief Secretary to furnish details of the ex-gratia relief paid, if any, to the next of kin of the five deceased workers and to the two workers who have been critically ill following the incident.