Police Investigate Illegal Storage of 11,000 kg Gunpowder at Hughes Precision Manufacturing in Goa

A recent investigation into a fire-induced explosion at a private ammunition factory's warehouse in South Goa has uncovered illegal storage of gunpowder. Police reported that M/s Hughes Precision Manufacturing Pvt Ltd stored approximately 11,000 kg of gunpowder without the necessary licence. The incident occurred last Thursday night, causing significant damage but no injuries.

Illegal Storage of Gunpowder

The fire at the warehouse led to a massive explosion, destroying 14.5 tonnes of gunpowder. This incident happened around 10:30 pm on March 20 at the company's premises in Naqueri-Betul village. Although there were no casualties, nearby homes suffered structural damage due to the blast's intensity.

According to police, the company failed to obtain permission from the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry's Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) for storing such a large quantity of gunpowder. Consequently, PESO has suspended the company's licence for storing explosives at this location.

Compliance Issues and Legal Action

The South Goa Deputy Collector filed a complaint against the company, highlighting non-compliance with guidelines for transporting and storing propellant gunpowder. These guidelines were part of the conditions set during the licence grant process. The complaint suggests that this negligence contributed to the fire incident.

The Cuncolim police are leading the investigation and have charged company officials under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for endangering human life and causing property damage. This legal action underscores the seriousness of adhering to safety regulations in handling explosive materials.

Impact on Local Community

The explosion not only destroyed stored materials but also caused cracks in nearby residential buildings. Residents experienced significant disruption due to the blast's impact on their homes' structural integrity. The company's manufacturing plant is located at Verna Industrial Estate in South Goa.

This incident highlights the critical importance of strict compliance with safety regulations when dealing with hazardous materials. Authorities continue to investigate to ensure accountability and prevent future occurrences.