BHOPAL/DEWAS: Madhya Pradesh Congress president Jitu Patwari on Thursday alleged that the explosion at a firecracker factory in Dewas district was the result of administrative negligence and alleged protection to an “explosives mafia”.
After visiting the Tonk Kalan area and meeting injured victims and families of the deceased, Patwari said the incident reflected a “failure of governance and safety oversight”.
He alleged that the factory was operating illegally inside a warehouse meant for grain storage under a government contract. Several people were killed and many others injured in the blast, officials said earlier.
Patwari claimed that complaints about earlier fire incidents at the unit were ignored by authorities. He also raised concerns over the alleged employment of minors in hazardous conditions.
The Congress leader demanded a high-level judicial probe into the incident and strict action against those responsible.
The party also sought compensation for the families of the deceased and proper treatment for the injured.
