Two arrested in starch factory fire mishap

Belgaum, May 6: Two officials of the private starch factory were arrested, even as the death toll rose to four in the Riddhi Siddhi Factory, Gokak blast last night.

Police officials said that Factory Production 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 maze starch plant that ripped off the major portion of the plant.

Hospital sources said that of the injured, the condition of 17 were still in critical condition after suffering from severe burn injuries.

Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Shankar Bidri visited the plant and 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