Human rights panel takes suo motu cognisance of Mohali factory blast

Separately, Mohali DC Komal Mittal has assigned the probe to the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Mohali, instructing them to submit findings within two weeks.

Postmortem completed; one body sent to Lucknow

The bodies of the deceased workers, Devinder and Asif, were handed over to their families after autopsy on Thursday. While Devinder’s body was taken to Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, for last rites, Asif’s funeral was conducted in Chandigarh.

“Asif had been living with us since childhood. We raised him like our own son,” said Akbar, Asif’s maternal uncle.

Protests erupt over compensation disparity

Tensions flared outside the factory as family members of the deceased protested over alleged discrepancies in compensation. They initially refused to allow hospital authorities to move the bodies, demanding equal treatment.

According to sources after prolonged negotiations, Devinder’s family agreed to Rs 10 lakh in compensation, which was paid in full. However, Asif’s relatives claimed they were being offered only Rs 5 lakh, arguing, “We deserve the same compensation as Devinder’s family.”

Injured workers stable and discharged

Four other workers — Sachin, Ashok, Parvez, and Akbar — were treated for minor injuries at the Mohali Civil Hospital and discharged on Thursday. Doctors confirmed the victims were in shock but had no life-threatening injuries.

Factory under scrutiny for safety violations

The Human Rights Commission’s intervention and the administrative inquiry have brought the factory’s compliance with safety norms under scrutiny. Officials confirmed that violations, if found, would be acted upon strictly, and promised timely justice and compensation for the affected families.