West Bengal Firecracker Factory Explosion: Casualties Increase to Eight, Owners Flee
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Synopsis
The explosion at an unauthorized firecracker factory in Patharpratima, West Bengal, has resulted in eight fatalities, prompting a police search for the owners who have absconded. The incident raises concerns about child labor violations and police negligence.
Key Takeaways
- The death toll from the firecracker factory blast has reached eight.
- Police are searching for the absconding owners, Chandrakanta and Tushar Banik.
- At least three victims were minors, indicating child labor violations.
- Local residents accuse police of negligence regarding the factory's operation.
- Previous similar incidents have occurred in West Bengal, highlighting ongoing safety concerns.
Kolkata, April 1 (NationPress) The number of fatalities from the explosion at an unauthorized firecracker factory in West Bengal's Patharpratima has increased to eight.
The police have initiated an extensive search operation in Patharpratima and surrounding areas to locate the two owners of the illegal firecracker facility, Chandrakanta Banik and Tushar Banik, who have been missing since the explosion occurred around 10 p.m. on Monday.
This illegal firecracker manufacturing site was situated in a residence jointly owned by the two fleeing brothers. The police have filed cases under multiple non-bailable sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.
According to informed sources, at least three of the deceased were minors, suggesting that underage children were employed at the illegal firecracker factory, thereby breaching child labor laws.
Meanwhile, tension remains high in Patharpratima, with local residents accusing the police of having prior knowledge about the illegal firecracker factory yet permitting it to function.
Community members have criticized the police for consistently disregarding early warnings regarding the potential for such incidents.
The Leader of the Opposition in West Bengal, Suvendu Adhikari, asserted that, similar to past incidents involving illegal firecracker factories, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will likely evade responsibility by announcing compensation for the victims' families.
“Now, probably Rs. 2 lakhs will be declared for the next of kin of the victims, and soon after, people will shift their attention to the next story, forgetting this incident until another tragedy occurs. This state government shows no accountability for such occurrences. Mamata Banerjee, who oversees the state police department, must be held accountable for this situation,” Adhikari stated.
As of the time this report was published, neither the state government nor the ruling Trinamool Congress had responded to the incident.
In recent years, West Bengal has frequently made national headlines due to tragic fatalities resulting from illegal firecracker factory or warehouse explosions.
In February this year, four individuals lost their lives and several others were injured in a blast at a firecracker factory in Kalyani, Nadia district.
In 2023, nine individuals died in a similar explosion at an illegal firecracker factory in Egra, East Midnapore district. There have been comparable blasts in Budge Budge in South 24 Parganas and Duttapukur in North 24 Parganas districts over the last few years, resulting in numerous casualties.
Following these explosions, the administration often issues warnings of strict measures against such illegal firecracker operations. Police raids occur for a short period and then gradually diminish.
