The death toll in the explosion in an illegal firecracker factory in Egra of East Midnapore on Tuesday has now risen to nine. The SP of East Midnapore said that the illegal firecrackers were manufactured in the factory and police had earlier raided, seized and filed a case against the factory. According to ANI, SP Amarnath K added that last week, they raided this factory, but nothing was found. Now, police have recovered nine bodies from the blast site. Police further said that the factory building collapsed after the explosion occurred.
Meanwhile, a bomb squad team on Wednesday conducted an investigation at the spot the explosion took place.
The impact of the explosion "was so tremendous" that the factory, which was being run from a residential building, collapsed, a police officer said, quoted PTI.
State Environment Minister Manas Ranjan Bhunia confirmed the explosion and expressed his condolences to the victims. He stated that the government would take steps to assist those affected. "We appeal to people to inform us of any illegal firecracker factories that they know of in their area... we will take strong steps against such units," he said.
According to a police officer, the impact of the explosion "was so massive" that the factory, which was run from a residential building, collapsed. Officials had previously stated that seven people had died. However, as more people were injured, the figures were updated.
"It happened inside a house where the firecracker unit was in use. An investigation is underway," the cop added. Villagers told PTI that the entire house resembled a "war zone".
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee meanwhile ordered a CID investigation into the incident. She stated that the owner of the aforementioned establishment is currently evading authorities. According to the CM, the owner had previously faced charges and received bail, and there were reports that he had fled to Odisha.
"We will give Rs 2.5 lakh each to the families of the deceased and will provide free treatment and Rs 1 lakh each to the injured," Mamata Banerjee said.
BJP Demands NIA Probe
Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) slammed the Bengal government saying that under TMC rule, one can only find 'bomb-making factories' and demanded an NIA investigation into it. The party also moved the Calcutta High Court demanding an NIA probe into the explosion. News agency ANI stated that the court will hear the matter on Thursday.
"The illegal firecracker unit was a garb under which a crude bomb-making factory was operating. Under the TMC regime, you won’t find any normal industry, but bomb-making factories have flourished due to the patronage of local TMC leaders. Bombs produced here will be used in the upcoming panchayat polls," BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar said, as quoted by PTI.
However, TMC termed the allegations “baseless” and said these are an attempt to tarnish the state’s image.
Majumdar, BJP MP from Balurghat, also said that he has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, demanding an NIA (National Investigation Agency) probe into the incident.
"I have written to Amit Shah ji, requesting him for a comprehensive investigation into the bomb blast incident. The blast has raised concerns about the safety of local residents, and this matter needs serious attention. Only the NIA probe can bring out the truth," Majumdar was quoted as saying by PTI.
Reacting to this, chief minister Mamata Banerjee said she has no objection to the central agency taking over the investigation. “We do not have any objection to the NIA probe. But I would like to point out that the probe by the CID has already started,” she said.