In Deesa, a town in the Banaskantha district of Gujarat, a tragic incident occurred on April 1, 2025. An explosion at an illegal firecracker factory claimed the lives of 23 innocent workers, including several minors. As the two-month mark approaches since the disaster, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) set up to investigate the incident has yet to release its report.
The explosion was so powerful that it caused a massive fire and the collapse of the warehouse, scattering body parts across the area. Following the incident, the state government established the SIT on April 2 to conduct an immediate investigation. Bhavin Pandya, the IAS secretary of the revenue department, heads the team, which also includes Deputy Superintendent of Police Vishalkumar Vaghela and other forensic experts.
Despite being instructed to submit a report within 15 days, the SIT has failed to deliver any findings even after two months. This delay has raised numerous questions about the investigation’s transparency and effectiveness. Victims’ families have expressed their frustration, stating they have already approached the Supreme Court for justice, but still await answers.
The severity of the incident led to a public outcry. Many workers at the factory were from Madhya Pradesh, seeking employment in Gujarat. The factory’s owner, Deepak Mohanani, was arrested, while his father, Khubchand Mohanani, remains at large. The case has highlighted ongoing concerns about illegal firecracker factories operating without proper licenses or safety measures.
The Gujarat government has provided some monetary compensation to the victims’ families, offering ₹400,000 for the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his sorrow and announced additional financial support from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund.
Local leaders and officials, including the Banaskantha Collector Mihir Patel, have visited the scene and assured the public that rescue operations were swift. However, critics argue that these measures are insufficient. There are calls for a more thorough investigation to hold those responsible accountable, including local authorities who may have overlooked safety regulations.
Families of the victims are demanding that the investigation be taken over by an external police force, as they lack confidence in the local authorities. They argue that the same officials responsible for oversight cannot be trusted to investigate their own failures.
This incident is not isolated; it occurs against a backdrop of repeated industrial disasters in Gujarat. The history of such tragedies raises concerns about regulatory failures and the safety of workers in hazardous industries. The Supreme Court case now under consideration may set a precedent for how such incidents are handled in the future, and it highlights the need for improved safety standards in factories across the state.
As the community continues to mourn the loss of life, the lingering question remains: when will justice be served? The families affected by this tragedy are not only seeking financial compensation; they demand accountability and assurance that such incidents will not happen again.
As the SIT continues its investigation, public pressure mounts for transparency and answers. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for stricter regulations and enforcement to protect the lives of workers in Gujarat’s industrial sectors.
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