Mamata Banerjee Apologies For Egra Blast, Announces Ex Gratia And Jobs For Kin Of Victims

West Bengal CM apologised for the blast at an illegal firecracker factory at Egra. She announced ex gratia for the kin of the deceased along with jobs to one of their family members.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday apologised to the people of Egra for the blast at an illegal firecracker factory which led to the death of 12 people and left many injured. While addressing the people there, she also announced an ex gratia of Rs 2.5 lakhs to the next of kin of those who died in the blast and a home guard job to one of their family members. Along with this, the assistance of Rs 2 lakh will be provided to the kin of the deceased in case of death due to lightning, reported news agency ANI.

The Bengal Chief Minister while addressing the people said, "Our government has decided that in the next two weeks, a report will be prepared under the leadership of the Chief Secretary, under which a green firecracker cluster will be formed."

The Trinamool Congress chief who reached the Purba Medinipur district of the state 11 days after the blast further said that the tragedy could've been averted if the intelligence had worked correctly, reported news agency PTI. After distributing compensation cheques to relatives of those killed and injured in the blast, she said, "I will bow my head down to you and apologise for the incident (blast at the illegal fire factory on May 16)... Had the intelligence worked properly then this blast could have been averted." 

While addressing the people she stated that two from the family of the primary accused, the owner of the illegal factory, have been arrested. She further urged the villagers to keep the local police informed in case they find any such units operational, reported PTI.

WHAT HAPPENED?

A blast occurred at an illegal firecracker factory in West Bengal's East Medinipur district on May 16 which led to the death of 12 people and left many injured. Police said that the factory building collapsed after the explosion occurred. ANI cited the SP of East Midnapore as saying that the illegal firecrackers were manufactured in the factory and police had earlier raided, seized and filed a case against the factory. However, despite the case, the operations at the factory continued.