The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of a fatal industrial accident at the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant operated by Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL) in Andhra Pradesh. The incident occurred on June 8, 2026, when a ladle carrying approximately 150 tonnes of liquid steel at a temperature of about 1600°C suddenly exploded in the plant's Steel Melting Shop, causing molten steel to pour across the shop floor. This resulted in eight worker fatalities and severe burn injuries to at least six other workers.
The Commission's action follows media reports from June 9, 2026, which included allegations from workers' unions that plant management had ignored safety protocols. The NHRC observed that these allegations, if true, raise serious issues of human rights violations. In response, the Commission has issued formal notices to the Andhra Pradesh Chief Secretary, demanding a detailed report on the incident within two weeks. The required report must include specific information on the current health status of the injured workers and details regarding payment of ex-gratia amounts to both the injured workers and the next of kin of the deceased workers.