The National Human Rights Commission has issued notices to the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police, Chhattisgarh, after a boiler tube explosion at a thermal power plant in Sakti district that reportedly killed 13 workers and injured 20 others. The commission took suo motu cognisance of media reports and has sought a detailed report within two weeks.

According to reports, the explosion released extremely hot steam that engulfed the workers, and rescue operations were initiated by the police after the boiler was shut down and cooled. The commission has asked for a full account of the sequence of events leading to the blast and the immediate response by plant and emergency personnel.

The NHRC has requested information on the medical status of the injured, the nature of injuries and the facilities provided for treatment, and the steps taken to ensure prompt evacuation and care. It has also sought details of any enquiries or investigations launched, including forensic analysis and the involvement of regulatory agencies. The commission has indicated interest in whether statutory safety norms and maintenance protocols were followed.

Authorities have been asked to provide particulars of compensation and rehabilitation measures proposed or implemented for the families of the deceased and the injured, and to furnish a timeline of remedial actions to prevent recurrence. The NHRC expects a comprehensive factual report that can inform any further direction or oversight it may consider necessary. The commission has given the two week deadline to enable prompt follow up.

The commission has sought information on safety audits and maintenance regimes and any corrective measures planned. It has asked for documentary evidence to support the report.