Bengaluru: Following a fatal explosion at the Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL) facility, a delegation from the DYFI Karnataka State Committee met with Justice P.N. Desai, Chairman of the Karnataka State Human Rights Commission (KSHRC), in Bengaluru on October 1st. The youth organization pressed for the KSHRC to register a suo motu case and launch an urgent, independent, and comprehensive human rights investigation into the incident.
The massive blast, which occurred at MRPL on Wednesday, claimed the life of young worker Manish Karkada and left several others injured. The tragedy has sparked numerous public inquiries concerning the precise cause, the effectiveness of existing safety systems, the full extent of the explosion's impact, and the actions taken by officials both before and after the event.
DYFI emphasized that the incident transcends a mere industrial accident, representing a critical human rights issue. They highlighted concerns related to workers' fundamental right to life, human dignity, and a safe working environment. Citing Section 12 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, the delegation underscored the Commission's mandate to inquire into human rights violations or negligence by public servants.
The petition presented to Justice Desai outlined several key demands: an immediate spot inspection, preservation of crucial evidence and documents, and a thorough review of the performance of public officials. It also called for an examination of previous accidents, safety complaints, inspection reports, and any unaddressed safety violations. Furthermore, DYFI urged measures to ensure the safety of contract workers, provide immediate interim relief to victims' families, cover the full medical expenses for injured workers, and guarantee the safety of the surrounding public. The delegation, including State President Lavithra Vasrad and State Secretary Santosh Bajal, sought a comprehensive investigation and a final report to ensure accountability and justice for all involved.
Image: varthabharati.in
📰 Source: Vartha Bharati DK