The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognisance of the death of three workers and injuries to two others after they allegedly inhaled toxic fumes while cleaning a sewer line inside a factory in Ludhiana district.Acting on media reports, the Commission has issued notices to the Punjab Chief Secretary and the Ludhiana Police Commissioner, seeking a detailed report on the incident within two weeks.According to the NHRC, the workers were reportedly hired by the factory management to clean a sewer system used for the disposal of chemical waste. The labourers allegedly entered the sewer line without safety equipment and were exposed to poisonous fumes.The Commission observed that if the facts reported in the media are found to be true, the incident would raise serious concerns regarding violation of human rights and workplace safety norms.The NHRC has asked the state government and police authorities to submit details regarding the progress of the investigation, the medical condition of the injured workers and any compensation announced for the victims and their families.As per reports, the tragedy occurred on June 1. Three workers died on the spot after entering the sewer line, while two others who had gone to assist them reportedly lost consciousness and were rushed to the hospital for treatment.The incident has once again brought the issue of manual cleaning of hazardous sewer lines and the safety of workers under scrutiny. Authorities are investigating the circumstances that led to the deaths and injuries.