The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report that at least 18 workers died and six others were injured in an explosion at a private firecracker manufacturing unit in the Kattanarpatti area of the Virudhunagar district, Tamil Nadu. Reportedly, more than 100 workers including women were present at the factory complex when the incident occurred on 19^th April 2026. The blast was allegedly triggered due to friction during the chemical mixing and manufacturing process. Reportedly, in a recent similar incident in the district, four persons had died.

The Commission has observed that the contents of the news report, if true, raise serious issues of human rights violations of the victims. Therefore, it has issued notices to the Chief Secretary, Tamil Nadu and the Superintendent of Police, Virudhunagar, calling for a detailed report on the matter within two weeks. It should include the status of health of the injured persons, investigation of the case and compensation, if any, has been paid to the NoK of the deceased and the injured persons.

According to the media report, carried on 20^th April 2026, the injured workers were shifted to the Virudhunagar Government Medical College Hospital.

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NSK