NHRC notice to Madhya Pradesh over death of two labourers

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Wednesday issued notice to the Madhya Pradesh government over the death of two labourers working in a sewerage project last month.

On May 28, a labourer died after a portion of an under-construction chamber fell on him while the other was injured as he tried to enter the sewage pipe to help his trapped partner. The second labourer too later died.

The commission said: "The report received carries a photograph showing one of the seriously injured workers being taken away by four locals to a hospital when no help came their way."

"Allegedly, there was no precaution regarding first aid and ambulance at the site. The National Disaster Management Authority were informed but did not reach the spot. Firefighting officers also could not help. Reportedly, a driver of a Police Control Room vehicle refused to carry the injured to the hospital taking him to be dead," said the NHRC statement.

The commission issued notice to the Madhya Pradesh government and said the lives of the two labourers could have been saved if there was no negligence by their employer and authorities. The state has been given four weeks to reply.

--IANS

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