Centre has taken serious note of Sinnar blast: Prabhu

Nashik, May 17 (UNI) The Centre has taken a serious note of the blast at Premier Explosives Chemicals Ltd at Sinnar and the Ministry will take strict action against those responsible, Amol Prabhu of Central Advisory Board, Workmen's Compensation Ministry at labour Employment, said here today.

The blast occurred on May 5, in which 21 people were killed.

''The Union Ministry has taken a serious note of the incident and I have interacted with various officials investigating the case. I will submit my report to the Ministry and Union Labour Minister Oscar Fernandes, who will take a decision on the matter. No one will be spared and a strict decision will be taken against those responsible,'' Mr Prabhu said while interacting with journalists, after a visit to the blast site and various labour organisations. He also met the victims and their kin.

He said intimations have been given to the concerned officials and departments, seeking explanation over allegations whether the police are favouring the accused.

Though it seems so, but primarily the police lack information. I will submit my own report within two to three days time, he added.

Speaking about two children working in the said factory, Mr Prabhu said he had asked their kin to submit their birth certificates.

On the cause of the blast, he said it occurred due to a technical fault which ultimately led to an explosion.

''The government regrets the incident and instructions have been given to avoid such instances in future,'' he said.

Mr Prabhu said the company management has declared a compensation of Rs one lakh to those who have been killed and Rs 25,000 to those who were injured in the blast.

Meanwhile, the police, acting on a tipoff, raided the 'Devdeep' building at Hirawendi area here yesterday and arrested the two company directors Tribuvan Kalig and Mukesh Maheshwari. They were later brought to Sinnar, where they were produced before the court which released them on bail. The court ordered them to coorporate with the police in the ongoing investigation. The police have taken Kalia's passport in its custody.

UNI