One killed in boiler blast in Amritsar

Amritsar, Aug 20: Police used mild force to disperse two groups of labour unions indulged in clash with each other, following the death of a factory worker in boiler blast in the textile finishing mill at Verka town on the outskirts of the city today.

Deputy Superintendent of police Lakhbir Singh told source that Joginder Mandal, a foreman, died on the spot due to burn injuries in the blast while nine others injured, identified as Vinay Kumar, Gurinder Singh, Arun, Garib Nath, Dharampal, Arun Kumar, Guddu, Ajit Kumar and Sanjay were rushed to Amandeep Hospital for treatment.

The DSP said that the incident, which took place in the early hours, damaged four sheds, a high voltage electric wire over the factory and blew off roofs of two sheds.

However, timely intervention of police and other labourers working in the factory saved the lives of the workers trapped inside the damaged building, he added.

As the news spread, union leaders from Uttar Pradesh Kalyan Parishad, Krantikari Textile Mazdoor Union and others unions started raising slogans against the factory owner Mr Khanna.

Mr Khanna, who reportedly had assured the family members of the victim Joginder Mandal to provide financial and other help, on the intervention of a labour union, was not available for comment.

However, the union leaders clashed with each other and started throwing stones forcing the police's intervention to shop them.

Sadar Police Station SHO Inspector Hardev Singh, who led the force in the rescue operation, said that a case has been registered in this connection and further action would be taken after a report from the Industry Department regarding negligence on the part of the owner on safely measures is received.

UNI