Ahmedabad: The Ahmedabad City Police has constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to carry out a comprehensive investigation into the firecracker factory explosion in the city’s Ramol area that claimed nine lives and left six others injured.
In an order issued on Sunday, Police Commissioner Anupam Singh Gahlaut said the SIT had been formed to ensure a “thorough and in-depth investigation” into the case registered at Ramol Police Station following the blast at the New Gujarat Fire Works factory behind the Rapid Action Force (RAF) camp near the canal in Vastral.
According to the order, the SIT will function under the supervision of the Joint Police Commissioner (Sector-2), Jaipal Singh Rathore.
It comprises Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone-8) Mayur Patil, Assistant Commissioner of Police (S Division) Y.A. Gohil and Ramol Police Inspector V.D. Mori.
The Police Commissioner directed that JCP (Sector-2) will supervise the entire investigation and submit a progress report within 10 days.
The order states that the SIT must conduct the investigation in a “completely neutral, impartial, transparent manner” and in accordance with the provisions of law.
It has also been instructed to collect all “physical, scientific, documentary and digital evidence” from the scene while maintaining the chain of custody.
The investigation will be carried out in coordination with the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), explosives experts, electrical experts, the Fire Department, the Labour Department and other concerned agencies.
After completing the investigation, the SIT has been directed to file the chargesheet before the competent court within the prescribed time limit.
During the trial, it will also coordinate with the Public Prosecutor to ensure that all evidence, witnesses and documents are produced without delay.
The explosion occurred at around 3:45 p.m. on Saturday at the unit located at Survey No. 629/1/2/3 on Ramol-Gatrad Road in Vastral.
The blast triggered a major fire that destroyed the factory and killed nine workers, while six others sustained serious burn injuries.
Police have already registered a case under Sections 105, 287, 288 and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with Sections 5(A) and 6 of the Explosive Substances Act, 1908, and Section 9(B) of the Explosives Act, 1884.
Investigators allege the factory was operating illegally after its licence had expired and was not renewed.
Police have arrested factory operator Ramila Dodiya, her son Mehul Dodiya, who allegedly managed the unit and their alleged partner Sadiq Saiyed.
Mehul Dodiya was arrested after initially fleeing the scene despite being injured.
According to the police, the unit had resumed manufacturing firecrackers over the past few weeks to fulfil orders for the upcoming Ganesh festival.
Forensic experts have examined the blast site, and police said preliminary findings indicate the explosion occurred while firecrackers were being manufactured.
Authorities are also investigating the source of the explosives, possible violations of safety regulations and the roles of other individuals connected to the operation of the factory.
The newly constituted SIT is expected to oversee all aspects of the investigation before submitting its findings to the court.
(IANS)
