Four bodies recovered after Baddi factory fire, SIT formed to investigate
Shimka, Feb 3,
On Saturday, rescue teams recovered four bodies from the NR Aroma factory in Baddi, Himachal Pradesh, where a massive fire claimed five lives and injured 32 others. Also the police arrested plant manager Chander Shekhar and launched a search for the owner. Health Minister Dr. Shandil and MLA Ram Kumar visited the site and hospitals to oversee relief efforts.
The state government formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the cause of the blaze and potential lapses by the factory management.The SIT would include the Additional Superintendent of Police, Ashok Verma, the Deputy Superintendent of Police, Khazana Ram,
and the Station House Officer of Barotiwala, SI Sanjay Sharma.
An FIR has been registered under No. 14/24 dated February 2, 2024, at the Police Station Barotiwala, under sections 285 (Negligent conduct with respect to fire or combustible matter), 336 (Act endangering life or personal safety of others), 337 (Causing hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others), and 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
The fire reportedly erupted on Friday afternoon at around 1330 hours while heating a chemical container. Flammable materials in the perfume factory fueled the blaze, trapping workers who jumped from various floors to escape. Some workers alleged negligence by management, claiming exit doors were locked.
Police Director General Sanjay Kundu ordered a probe into possible violations of safety norms.
Noteworthy that the exact number of missing persons remains unclear. Police are recording worker statements and maintaining a control room for information.
According to CITU Secretary of Shimla district Vajinder Mehra said that a team would visit the spot tomorrow. He said that there are apprehension that casuility may be more. The unregistered contract labour hired through the contractors may became victim in the mishap, he rued.
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