Nagpur Explosives Blast: Lookout Notices Issued for 10 Fugitive Suspects
In a significant development following the catastrophic explosion at an explosives manufacturing unit in Raulgaon village, Katol taluka, Nagpur district, authorities have escalated their investigation by issuing lookout notices against 10 suspects who remain at large. The devastating incident, which occurred on Sunday, resulted in the tragic loss of 19 lives and left 24 others injured, many in critical condition.
Intensified Police Action and Investigation
Nagpur rural police have taken decisive steps by sealing the unit for a thorough investigation. The Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) and the Directorate of Industrial Safety and Health (DISH) have ordered the suspension of all operations at the facility until further notice. A senior police official confirmed that the lookout notices are aimed at preventing the fugitives, including two managing directors, from fleeing the country, thereby ensuring they face justice for their alleged roles in the tragedy.
So far, 11 individuals have been arrested in connection with the blast, and all have been remanded to six-day police custody. The investigation is being spearheaded by SDPO Santosh Gaikwad of the Kanhan division, with five specialized teams actively pursuing the case. These teams include three supporting Gaikwad, one stationed in neighbouring Chhattisgarh to chase cross-border leads, and another combing various districts of Maharashtra to gather evidence and track down the remaining suspects.
Forensic Analysis and Evidence Collection
Forensic teams from PESO and DISH are meticulously examining blast residues, chemical traces, storage violations, wiring, and other physical evidence to determine the exact cause of the explosion and the subsequent fire that engulfed the premises. Police are also analyzing CCTV footage from the factory site to reconstruct the sequence of events and identify the specific roles of each worker, whether in handling, storing, packing, or transporting explosives.
The case has been registered under sections for culpable homicide not amounting to murder, with authorities indicating that stricter punishments could be applied if evidence emerges of deliberate negligence or intent. This underscores the seriousness with which the investigation is being conducted, as officials work to bring the entire chain of responsibility to justice.
Victim Support and Ongoing Efforts
The last rites of all 19 victims, who were primarily women workers, have been completed, with families receiving support and compensation from the district administration. Meanwhile, the 23 injured individuals continue to receive medical treatment, with several reported to be in critical condition. As the investigation remains ongoing, police are intensifying their efforts to apprehend the fugitive suspects and ensure that such industrial accidents are prevented in the future through stricter safety measures and accountability.
