NHRC seeks report on delayed relief to tanker blast victims

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognisance of reports that victims of last month’s LPG tanker blast in Mandiala village of Hoshiarpur, Punjab, are still struggling to rebuild their homes and shops, even as the tragedy claimed seven lives and left 15 injured.

The Commission has issued notices to the Chief Secretary of Punjab, Senior Superintendent of Police, Hoshiarpur, and the Chief Controller of Explosives, Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

“They have been asked to submit a detailed report within two weeks, including the status of the ongoing investigation into the incident,” an NHRC official said.

The blast occurred when an LPG tanker collided with a pick-up vehicle near Mandiala Adda on the Hoshiarpur–Jalandhar road.

The police said the tanker was turning towards the Ram Nagar Dheha link road when it rammed into the pick-up, triggering the deadly explosion.