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Harda/Madhya Pradesh: In Harda, Madhya Pradesh, a massive fire at a firecracker factory killed 11 people, injured 200, and reduced nearly 60 houses to ashes, leading to the arrest of three people linked to the factory: Rajesh Aggarwal, Somesh Aggarwal and Rafiq Khan. The factory, which was sealed following a complaint, was operated on land leased from the Agarwal family and Pradeep Agarwal.
Despite the factory’s two licenses being suspended in 2022, the owners managed to obtain a stay order from the Revenue Commissioner’s court. The license was later renewed by the Additional District Magistrate (ADM) of Harda, raising questions over monitoring and regulation of such hazardous industries.
Sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) KC Partey on Tuesday confirmed the incidents and revealed the identities of 11 dead persons, while one person remains unidentified. Relief work and treatment for the injured are being given priority, free treatment is being provided to those affected by the tragic incident. Underscoring its commitment to hold those responsible accountable, the state government has constituted a 3-member committee to investigate the incident.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav postponed his scheduled night stay in Chhindwara in response to the incident, and stressed that strict action would be taken against the culprits. Both the President and the Prime Minister have expressed their condolences and announced compensation for the affected families, reflecting the national importance and attention this tragic event has received.
