2 held for factory blast

Belgaum, Karnataka, May 6 (UNI) Two officials were arrested in connection with Friday night's blast at a private factory here even as the death toll in the incident rose to four.

Police said Riddhi Siddhi Factory Manager Ajay Kumar Singh and Biochemist Prantik Das were arrested on the charges of negligence.

In all, 34 people received burn injuries when an explosion took place in the maize starch plant which ripped off a major portion of the plant.

Hospital sources said the condition of 17 of the injured who sustained severe burn injuries was still critical.

Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Shankar Bidri visited the plant and also the injured in the hospital.

He said stringent action would be taken against those found guilty of negligence in providing safety measures at the factory.

UNI