People gather after a massive explosion at a bomb-making factory in West Bengal’s East Midnapore district on May 16, killing nine people. , Photo Credit: PTI
A bomb disposal squad on May 17 examines the site in West Bengal’s East Midnapore district where nine people were killed and several others injured in a blast at an illegal firecracker factory on May 16.
There was a huge explosion in the factory located in Khadikul village According to the police, the factory was running illegally under Egra police station at around 11 am on May 16 and the owner was arrested last year and a charge sheet was filed. He said that efforts are on to arrest the accused, identified as Krishnapada Bagh alias Bhanu Bagh.
The West Bengal Police Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has started investigation and investigation into the incident with the help of forensic experts after the case was handed over by the state government.
East Medinipur Superintendent of Police Amarnath K said, ‘So far nine bodies have been recovered and efforts are on to ascertain whether anyone else was killed in the incident. Two people seriously injured in this incident have been referred to Kolkata’s SSKM. [Seth Sukhlal Karnani Memorial Hospital] From Agra Super Specialty Hospital.
“It was an illegal factory. Three to four cases have been registered against this factory in the past also. It was raided several times, but the accused continued to operate it. Efforts are on to arrest the accused, who has been identified as Krishnapada Bagh alias Bhanu Bagh.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2.5 lakh for the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 1 lakh for the injured.
West Bengal BJP President Sukanta Majumdar has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah demanding a “comprehensive inquiry” into the incident. He also said that the probe should be handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
Locals have alleged that the unit was used to make deadly explosives. In this factory, firecrackers were made just for show. Deadly explosives were made and supplied outside,” said Mr. Jalhosa, a local resident.