The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken cognisance of the ammonia gas leak tragedy in Tamil Nadu that claimed the lives of 11 Odia migrant workers from Keonjhar district.
The NHRC registered the case (Diary No. 14816/2026) following a complaint filed by senior Koraput-based lawyer Anup Kumar Patra. The petitioner urged the Commission to direct the Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary and Director General of Police to submit a detailed report on the incident and the findings of the joint inquiry committee.
Patra demanded Rs 25 lakh compensation for each deceased worker’s family and full medical coverage for the injured. He also sought rehabilitation and support for affected families, particularly those from Keonjhar.
In his petition, Patra criticised unsafe working conditions and alleged employment of minors at the seafood processing unit. He requested the NHRC to order legal action against the factory management and conduct a safety audit of all 6,669 hazardous industries operating in Tamil Nadu to prevent future tragedies.
The gas leak, which occurred at a seafood processing unit in Tiruvallur district, has sparked grief and outrage in Keonjhar villages after the bodies of the victims were brought home.
The NHRC’s intervention marks a significant step toward accountability and justice for the victims and their families.
