SDM, SDOP, Naib Tehsildar suspended in Dewas firecracker-factory blast case:5 workers dead; Bhaskar report exposed ignored safety lapses

There has been a major impact of Dainik Bhaskar’s report in the Dewas firecracker factory blast case. Amid questions being raised over administrative negligence and the role of responsible officials after the accident, the Divisional Commissioner on Saturday afternoon suspended SDM Sanjeev Saxena, Naib Tehsildar Ravi Sharma, Sonkatch SDOP Deepa Mandve and Tonkkala outpost in-charge Ramandeep Hundal. It is worth mentioning that five workers have died in the blast at the factory, while several others suffered severe burn injuries and are battling for their lives. Bhaskar had revealed in its report that a large quantity of explosives was stored in the factory despite it having a licence for only a limited amount of gunpowder. Workers were allegedly made to work without proper safety arrangements, while responsible departments failed to take timely and effective action. After the tragedy, serious questions were raised over what the inspecting officials were doing and how such large-scale negligence continued to be ignored. As the matter escalated, the administration swung into action. Now, two officials from the revenue department have faced action. Administration admits officials showed negligence The suspension order stated that the officials showed serious negligence in enforcing rules related to explosive material and in carrying out administrative inspections. The investigation revealed that regular inspections of the firecracker factory were not conducted. The officials were responsible for carrying out monthly inspections to verify whether the factory was storing fireworks and explosive material according to the licence conditions, but they allegedly failed to pay attention to this. The revenue department is among the six departments responsible for granting NOCs and monitoring such factories. The administration believes that the accident occurred due to negligence, indifference and irregularities in following rules by the officials. Therefore, both officers have been suspended under the Madhya Pradesh Civil Services Rules. During the suspension period, their headquarters will remain at the Collector Office in Dewas, and they will receive subsistence allowance as per rules. Both officials reached only on the day of the accident The two officials of the department were required to inspect the company every month to ensure compliance with safety standards. However, they allegedly never visited the factory to inspect safety arrangements, despite previous accidents having already occurred there. Even after earlier incidents, the responsible officers neither took action nor visited the company to ensure safety norms were being followed. Both officials reached the spot only after the blast occurred.