Several Dead In Bengal Firecracker Factory Blast In North 24 Paraganas, Oppn Blames CM Mamata

Several people have died in a blast at a Duttapukur firecracker factory in West Bengal's North 24 Paraganas district

(By Amit Tripathi)

At least seven people have been killed in a blast at a firecracker factory in West Bengal's North 24 Paraganas district. The explosion took place in an illegal firecracker factory in Duttapukur. Several houses have also suffered damage in the blast. This is another explosion that has come forth after the Egra blast that shook the state. Asis Ghosh, Fire Station Officer said that five bodies have been recovered so far.

Meanwhile, police and a bomb disposal squad reached the blast site in Duttapukur.

Reacting to the incident, BJP leader Suvendu Adhikar slammed CM Mamata Banerjee and said she is busy saving thieves and playing 'communal cards'.

"Not only this factory, but the entire state has such an atmosphere. Chief Minister (Mamata Banerjee) had said that these illegal factories would be closed, but she is busy protecting the thieves... Her work is to hold meetings with Imams in the state and to play the communal card..," Adhikar said.

Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhary alleged that the blast suggests the Bengal government has given permission to use explosives wherever one wants. He said that this 'trade' of explosives has resulted in a series of deaths and explosions.

"The amount in which the explosives are found it is clear that Bengal government has given the permission to use explosives wherever one wants. Traders in Explosives are given complete freedom to run their business. This has resulted in a series of deaths and blasts. This shows a failure of the Bengal government. When a blast takes place, we come to know that someone has died. After that, everyone gets quiet and the illegal business keeps running because the government prefers to stay quiet and the common man has to pay," he said.