Dewas: The district administration in Madhya Pradesh’s Dewas district has invoked the National Security Act against Anil Malviya, owner of the firecracker manufacturing unit in Tonkkala village, where a powerful explosion killed three persons and injured more than 15 others, officials said on Thursday.
Malviya has been arrested, and the factory has been sealed following the incident.
Dewas District Collector Rituraj Singh said stringent action was taken on the basis of a police report that pointed to serious violations in the unit’s operations.
“The police report mentioned alleged misuse of the firecracker manufacturing licence and violation of safety conditions prescribed under the Explosives Rules. Based on these findings, action has been initiated under the National Security Act,” Singh said.
Police officials said cases are also being prepared against four persons, including three contractors associated with the factory.
Authorities are examining whether negligence in handling explosive material or violation of safety norms contributed to the blast.
In another significant development, Ujjain Divisional Commissioner Ashish Singh ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident to ascertain the exact cause of the explosion and identify any lapses in safety compliance.
Additional Collector of Ujjain, Atendra Singh Gurjar and Industrial Health and Safety Officer Namita Tiwari have been appointed as inquiry officers.
“The inquiry team has been directed to submit its report within one week. The probe will examine the cause of the explosion, verify compliance with the Explosives Rules and the National Building Code-2016, and check the licences issued for operating the factory,” an official statement said.
Officials added that the administration would also review safety standards at similar firecracker manufacturing units operating in the district.
Deputy Chief Minister and district in-charge Minister Jagdish Devda visited the blast site and reviewed the relief measures with officials.
He later met the injured workers admitted to Dewas District Hospital and Amaltas Hospital.
“The state government stands firmly with the affected families in this difficult time. Every possible assistance and medical support will be provided to the injured,” Devda said.
He added that strict action would be taken against anyone found responsible for negligence during the investigation.
(IANS)
