Nagpur Police Pursue Non-Bailable Warrants in Deadly Kalmeshwar Explosion Case
In a significant development following the catastrophic Kalmeshwar blast, Nagpur police have formally sought non-bailable warrants (NBWs) against several key accused individuals. This legal action comes even as those who are absconding have approached a sessions court to file for anticipatory bail, aiming to prevent their imminent arrest in connection with the devastating incident.
Tragic Explosion Claims 23 Lives, Leaves Many Injured
The police move follows the horrific explosion earlier this month at a licensed explosives manufacturing unit located in Raulgaon village within Kalmeshwar taluka of Nagpur district. The blast resulted in the tragic loss of 23 lives and left more than 20 individuals, predominantly women, with critical injuries that required immediate medical attention.
Legal Proceedings and Arrests Underway
An FIR has been officially registered against 21 individuals, including promoters, directors, and shareholders of the company involved. The charges have been filed under Section 105, which pertains to culpable homicide not amounting to murder, of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). To date, police authorities have successfully arrested 11 company officials, which encompasses directors and senior managers directly linked to the incident.
Upon learning about the anticipatory bail applications filed by the absconding accused, the Nagpur Rural police promptly submitted applications on Monday seeking non-bailable warrants against them. This swift response underscores the urgency with which law enforcement is treating this case.
Police Aim to Declare Accused as Proclaimed Offenders
According to informed sources, the police are actively pursuing measures to have the accused declared as proclaimed offenders. Such a designation would grant authorities the power to attach their properties and facilitate arrests anywhere across the country at a subsequent stage, thereby tightening the legal net around those responsible.
Investigations Reveal Serious Safety Lapses
A joint investigative team comprising the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) and the Directorate of Industrial Safety and Health (DISH) has uncovered severe safety violations at the explosives unit, despite it holding valid operational permissions. The probe has highlighted multiple critical breaches of standard operating procedures, including:
- Improper storage of hazardous chemicals
- Lack of regular safety drills and training
- Absence of required emergency exits and safety infrastructure
These findings point to a systemic failure in adhering to basic industrial safety norms, which ultimately contributed to the tragic outcome.
Lookout Circulars Issued Against Fugitives
In a parallel effort to track down the remaining suspects, police have already issued lookout circulars against 10 individuals involved in the case. This measure is designed to prevent their escape from the country and ensure they face legal proceedings for their alleged roles in the incident.
The Kalmeshwar blast case continues to unfold as authorities intensify their efforts to deliver justice for the victims and their families, while also addressing broader concerns about industrial safety regulations in hazardous sectors.
