A recent tragedy struck in Deesa, Gujarat, where a massive explosion occurred at an illegal fireworks factory. This horrific incident resulted in the loss of 23 lives, including five young workers. The explosion happened in the early hours, leading to a fire that spread quickly through the factory. The intensity of the blast was so severe that it caused the building to collapse, scattering body parts across a wide area. Local authorities confirmed that the deceased were primarily from Madhya Pradesh, working in the factory to earn a living.
In connection with this incident, Harish Ramchandra Meghwani, a contractor from Indore who supplied workers to the factory, was arrested. He applied for bail, but the Deesa court rejected his application. The court stated that the investigation is still ongoing and no charge sheet has been filed yet. Judge S. M. Kanabar indicated it was not appropriate to grant bail at this early stage.
The police investigation revealed that the factory was running illegally. It was supposed to be a storage facility for fireworks, but it was operating as a manufacturing site without proper safety measures. Despite knowing the risks involved with explosives, Meghwani sent workers to the site without informing them of the dangers. He is currently detained in Palanpur sub-jail.
The explosion raised serious safety concerns. Many local officials, including Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, expressed their condolences and called for immediate action to ensure such incidents do not happen again. Patel announced compensation of ₹2 lakh (about £2,000) for the families of the deceased from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF). Additionally, the state government announced ₹4 lakh (about £4,000) for the relatives of the victims and ₹50,000 (about £500) for the injured.
Following the disaster, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the explosion. The SIT will include senior police officers to ensure a comprehensive inquiry. Local leaders have called for accountability, stressing the need for stringent checks on such illegal operations to prevent future tragedies.
This incident has sparked outrage among the public and political leaders alike. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed his sorrow on social media, urging for a thorough investigation and severe punishment for those responsible. He highlighted that such incidents often occur in factories that operate without adherence to safety standards, endangering the lives of poor workers.
The tragedy in Deesa is a stark reminder of the risks associated with illegal fireworks manufacturing. It raises questions about regulatory oversight and the enforcement of safety regulations in hazardous industries. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on providing support to the victims’ families and ensuring justice for those who lost their lives in this preventable incident.
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