High Court questions delay in FIR against councillor:Seeks state report after Indore gas pipeline blast injured four people

The Indore Bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court on Friday raised sharp questions over the investigation into the AvantiKa Gas pipeline blast in Indore’s Vijay Nagar area, which left four people injured. During the hearing, the court asked why no FIR had been registered against the local councillor despite the Indore Municipal Corporation’s inquiry report allegedly mentioning his role in the incident. The High Court directed the state government to submit a detailed status report by July 13. During the nearly 20-minute hearing, the court examined both the municipal inquiry report and the police investigation. Municipal report mentions councillor’s role According to the municipal corporation’s report, the gas pipeline was damaged during a borewell drilling operation allegedly being carried out on behalf of local councillor Balmukund Soni. The state government informed the court that the investigation is still underway. However, the court questioned why the municipal inquiry report had not yet reached the state government and why no action had been taken based on its findings. The bench observed that there appeared to be a lack of coordination between the municipal corporation and the state government and directed both agencies to improve coordination. Fourth burn victim comes forward A new development emerged during the hearing when a fourth burn victim, Lallu Patel, filed an intervention application before the court. Patel informed the court that he had received treatment at a private hospital and later at Bombay Hospital after suffering burn injuries in the gas leak. His case had not been publicly reported earlier. Victims yet to receive compensation Lawyers representing the victims told the court that none of the injured persons had received compensation so far. They said several victims suffered severe burns and remain unable to work, leaving financially weak families struggling to meet daily expenses. Many are also facing difficulties in repaying bank loans and EMIs. The petitioners urged the court to ensure immediate financial relief for the victims. Fresh gas leak raises safety concerns During the hearing, lawyers also referred to another gas leak reported in Kalani Nagar on Thursday, describing it as a potential major accident that was narrowly avoided. They argued that repeated gas leak incidents in the city point to poor coordination among government agencies. Excavation work is often carried out without adequate technical verification, and workers and contractors are frequently unaware of underground gas pipelines and other critical utility lines. Taking note of the concerns, the High Court directed the state government to submit a comprehensive investigation report on July 13.