Indore Resident Detained in Gujarat Firecracker Factory Explosion
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Synopsis
An Indore resident has been arrested in connection with the tragic firecracker factory explosion in Gujarat, which claimed 22 lives, primarily from Madhya Pradesh. The suspect allegedly supplied laborers for the illegal operation, prompting inter-state cooperation between Gujarat and Indore police in the investigation.
Key Takeaways
- Harish Ramchandra Meghnani arrested for supplying laborers.
- Explosion resulted in 22 fatalities.
- Collaboration between Gujarat and Indore police.
- Compensation of Rs 2 lakh announced for victims' families.
- Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed to probe incident.
Indore, April 8 (NationPress) An individual from Indore has been detained in relation to the firecracker factory explosion incident that took place in Banaskantha, Gujarat, resulting in the loss of 22 lives, predominantly from Madhya Pradesh, a senior police official reported on Tuesday.
The detained individual has been identified as Harish Ramchandra Meghnani, who purportedly facilitated the employment of laborers from Harda and other regions in Madhya Pradesh.
The arrest was executed in conjunction with the Indore police.
According to a police spokesperson, “The Gujarat Police requested assistance from the Indore Police in locating Harish Ramchandra Meghnani, who was accountable for supplying labor from Madhya Pradesh. During the operation, the accused was apprehended in a residential community in Rajendra Nagar, Indore.”
The spokesperson continued, stating that this incident reflects inter-state collaboration, and the Indore Police has committed to offering any necessary assistance in the ongoing investigation.
“This was a devastating incident that claimed around two dozen lives, with the majority of the victims hailing from the Harda district of Madhya Pradesh,” he added.
Upon the police team's (comprising both Gujarat and Indore police) arrival at his residence, Meghnani was having breakfast and appeared unaware of the incident.
“Following his arrest, the accused was handed over to the Gujarat Police,” the official stated.
The explosion occurred on April 1, in an unauthorized warehouse-cum-firecracker unit located in the industrial zone near Deesa, Gujarat.
The force of the explosion was so intense that it led to the collapse of the building and ignited a fire, resulting in the deaths of 22 workers, with 21 from Madhya Pradesh and 1 from Gujarat.
Among the deceased, 10 were from a single village in Dewas district of Madhya Pradesh.
The factory was owned by Deepak Mohanani and his father, Khubchand Mohanani, both of whom were previously arrested.
Authorities indicated that preliminary investigations suggested the explosion was initiated by aluminum powder, a crucial component in firecracker manufacturing.
A representative stated that a Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team also discovered yellow dextrin powder, a pyrotechnic binder, at the explosion site.
In the aftermath of the calamity, the Gujarat government established a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by IAS officer Bhavin Pandya to investigate the matter.
Additionally, the Madhya Pradesh government announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh for the families of those who perished.
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan visited the bereaved families and promised them support.
“The education of at least one girl child from each affected family will be taken care of,” he stated during his visit a couple of days ago.
Madhya Pradesh Congress president Jitu Patwari also visited Harda to speak with the victims’ relatives on Monday and urged the state government to provide additional compensation to the grieving families.
