New Delhi, July 2 -- The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognisance of the tragic collapse of an under-construction warehouse in the Taratala area of Kolkata, West Bengal, which claimed the lives of at least five labourers and left twenty others injured.

The incident occurred on June 24, when a concrete casting of an iron structure suddenly gave way, trapping an estimated 12 to 15 workers beneath a mountain of debris. Allegations have since emerged indicating that the sanctioned building plan for the warehouse was deeply faulty.

Observing that the reports point to a severe violation of human rights, the Commission has issued formal notices to three top West Bengal officials: The Chief Secretary, Kolkata Police...