Blast at Illegal Firecracker Factory in Bengal: One Owner Arrested
Click to start listening
Synopsis
A significant explosion occurred at an illegal firecracker factory in West Bengal's Patharpratima, leading to the arrest of one owner while his brother remains at large. The incident has raised questions about police inaction and the legality of the factory's operations.
Key Takeaways
- Explosion occurred at an illegal firecracker factory.
- One owner arrested; brother remains at large.
- Local residents expressed frustration over police inaction.
- A comprehensive report has been requested by the state secretariat.
- BJP demands a National Investigation Agency probe.
Kolkata, April 1 (NationPress) After nearly 15 hours following the significant explosion at an illegal firecracker factory in Patharpratima, located in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district, authorities apprehended one of the two fugitive owners, identified as Chandrakanta Banik. His brother, Tushar Banik, who co-owns the property, remains at large. Investigators are attempting to locate him by questioning his arrested sibling.
The detained individual is scheduled to appear in district court later today, where the public prosecutor is expected to request his police custody for further questioning regarding the incident.
In the meantime, the state secretariat has requested a comprehensive report from the South 24 Parganas district magistrate concerning the circumstances surrounding the explosion and any associated information.
The Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the state Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, criticized this report request as a superficial measure, asserting that no substantial outcomes will arise from such initiatives, given that illegal firecracker manufacturing persists in the state due to the involvement of the ruling Trinamool Congress and local law enforcement.
Tensions have been escalating in Patharpratima as of Tuesday afternoon, with residents voicing their frustration over the local police's inaction. They allege that their numerous complaints regarding the illegal operations at the Banik residence were ignored.
Concerns have also been raised by locals about whether the explosion resulted from illicit firecrackers or crude bombs, given the severe impact that left the entire residence in ruins.
As of now, police have not clarified whether the firecracker factory had the appropriate licenses or was functioning unlawfully. There has been no communication from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's office regarding administrative responses to the incident, including potential compensation for the victim's family.
The West Bengal unit of the BJP has called for an NIA investigation, reflecting local suspicions that the factory was actually producing crude bombs.
