China link emerges in Dewas factory blast case:Injured workers claims Delhi investor controlled operations

The firecracker factory in Madhya Pradesh’s Dewas district, where a massive explosion killed five workers, was officially registered in the name of Anil Malviya. However, injured workers allege that the real owner is Delhi-based businessman Mukesh Vij, who is currently in China negotiating deals for bomb-making machinery. Workers also claimed that Vij operates another factory in Himachal Pradesh and that the entire management of the Dewas unit was controlled from there. The devastating blast took place on May 14 at a firecracker factory in Tonkkalan village of Dewas district. Five workers were killed and more than 25 injured, including 13 who remain in critical condition. According to workers, the factory was manufacturing large quantities of matchstick bombs, and labourers had been brought in from Bihar for the work. Following the incident, the government ordered a magisterial inquiry. Meanwhile, photographs of Dewas-Shajapur MP Mahendra Singh Solanki with factory licence holder Anil Malviya went viral on social media after the accident. The MP defended himself, saying hundreds of people visit his office and he had no knowledge of Malviya’s firecracker business. Read the report Benami investment and the ‘Delhi-China’ connection The factory near Tonkkalan had reportedly started operations only six months ago. According to injured worker Rohit, the factory had received a large order for firecrackers that had to be completed before the monsoon season. Because of this, a large number of workers were hired from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Dewas. More labourers were also expected to arrive through contractors. Rohit alleged that huge quantities of explosives were stored inside the factory for large-scale firecracker production. While the factory licence was issued in Anil Malviya’s name, Rohit claimed the real investor was Mukesh Vij from Delhi, who is currently in China. The factory was reportedly preparing for automation by installing new machinery. Although Anil Malviya had leased the land, workers alleged that the investment and operations were entirely controlled by Mukesh Vij. Investigating agencies are now examining the source of this alleged benami investment. Minor workers and ₹40 overtime pay Amid the political controversy, allegations of labour exploitation have also surfaced. A 17-year-old worker from Bihar, identified as Sukesh Kumar (name changed), claimed he had been working at the factory for the past two months. According to him, operations ran round the clock. Workers were paid ₹15,000 for nine-hour shifts, but overtime wages were only ₹40 per hour. The Sarpanch’s warning letter that was ignored Questions are also being raised about the role of the administration. The sarpanch of Kalma Gram Panchayat had submitted a written complaint to the tehsildar on March 16, warning that the factory’s proximity to a petrol pump and residential area could lead to a major accident. In the letter, the sarpanch had clearly stated, If any mishap occurs, the gram panchayat will not be responsible. Despite the warning, authorities allegedly failed to act. MP responds after viral photos trigger controversy After the explosion, photographs showing licence holder Anil Malviya with MP Mahendra Singh Solanki went viral on social media. Opposition leaders and local residents alleged that the factory ignored safety norms because of political protection. Responding to the allegations, MP Mahendra Singh Solanki told Dainik Bhaskar: “As a public representative, thousands of people meet me. My office is open to everyone. Merely being photographed with someone does not place that person above the law.” He also described the incident as unfortunate. Inquiry ordered, but many questions remain Ujjain Divisional Commissioner Ashish Singh has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the explosion. The investigation will examine the cause of the blast, compliance with explosive safety rules, the factory’s licences and overall safety arrangements. Additional Collector Atendra Singh Gurjar and Industrial Health and Safety Officer Namita Tiwari have been appointed to conduct the inquiry. Officials have been directed to submit their report within a week. Collector Rituraj Singh has cancelled the factory licence. The licence was originally issued on December 23 and renewed on May 6. Separate licences had reportedly been granted for firecracker manufacturing and sales. Key questions still unanswered