Blast at Illegal Firecracker Factory in Bengal Puts Panchayat Under Investigation
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Synopsis
A tragic explosion at an illegal firecracker factory in Patharpratima, West Bengal, resulted in eight fatalities, prompting an investigation into the local panchayat's role in granting a trade license. The Banik family operated the factory despite previous criminal records.
Key Takeaways
- Eight lives lost in illegal firecracker factory blast.
- Local panchayat's role in granting trade license questioned.
- Criminal history of suspects raises concerns.
- Police ignorance regarding illegal factory operation.
- Multiple charges filed against Banik brothers.
Kolkata, April 2 (NationPress) Following the tragic incident where eight individuals lost their lives in an explosion at an unlawful firecracker factory situated in Patharpratima, located in South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, the actions of the local panchayat have come under scrutiny by investigative authorities.
The explosion occurred on Monday night. Sources from the district administration indicated that the Banik family, who operated the illegal firecracker business from their residence, possessed a standard trade license issued by the local panchayat, which did not authorize them to manufacture firecrackers.
Concerns are rising over how such a basic trade license was issued by the local panchayat, especially considering the criminal history of one of the two suspects arrested in relation to the explosion, Chandrakanta Banik.
According to police records, Banik was apprehended in 2022 for his participation in the trade of illegal firecrackers, at which time approximately 67 kilograms of illegal firecrackers were seized from him.
Questions are now emerging regarding whether the local rural civic body granted that trade license without conducting a thorough background check through the local police.
Moreover, there are also inquiries about how the local police were unaware that an illegal firecracker factory was operating at the residence based on that ordinary trade license, which lacked the necessary permission for firecracker manufacturing.
Residents have reportedly stated that the police ignored multiple warnings regarding the potential dangers posed by the illegal firecracker factory at the Banik residence.
Tushar Banik, brother of Chandrakanta Banik and co-owner of the house where the illegal firecracker factory was situated, remains at large.
The police have filed charges against the Banik brothers under various sections, including Section 287 (negligent conduct concerning fire or combustible matter endangering human life), Section 288 (negligent conduct concerning explosive substances), Section 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), Section 110 (attempt to commit culpable homicide), Section 125 (endangering human lives), and Section 61 (criminal conspiracy) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Additionally, they have been charged under Sections 24 and 25 of the West Bengal Fire Services Act, 1950, which pertain to operating a firecracker manufacturing business without the appropriate license.
