NHRC takes suo motu cognizance of death of eight workers in blast at Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (RINL)

📌 Summary:

• The NHRC took suo motu cognizance of a blast at the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant of Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL), Andhra Pradesh, on 8 June 2026, in which eight workers died and at least six were severely injured
• The incident occurred in the 'Steel Melting Shop' when a ladle carrying ~150 tonnes of liquid steel at ~1600°C exploded, spreading molten steel across the floor
• The workers' union alleged that management ignored safety protocols
• NHRC issued a notice to the Andhra Pradesh Chief Secretary, seeking a detailed report within two weeks, including injured workers' health status and ex-gratia payment to victims and the next of kin of the deceased

🎯 UPSC Relevance: GS2 (NHRC as a statutory human-rights body, accountability) and industrial/occupational safety.

📝 Prelims Facts:

• NHRC can take suo motu cognizance under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993
• RINL operates the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant
• NHRC sought a report within two weeks

🔑 Key Term: Suo motu cognizance — NHRC's power to initiate action on its own motion, without a formal complaint, under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.