The Madhya Pradesh administration took action by suspending two revenue officials following a deadly firecracker factory explosion in Dewas district. The suspension was based on alleged negligence that led to the death of five workers and severe injuries to several others. The suspended officials, Tonkhurd SDM Sanjeev Saxena and Naib Tehsildar Ravi Sharma, were found to have serious lapses in inspecting and monitoring the factory handling explosive materials.
The suspension order highlighted that the officials failed to conduct regular inspections of the firecracker unit as mandated by safety regulations. Monthly inspections to ensure proper storage of explosive materials, as required by license conditions, were reportedly not carried out. Despite previous incidents at the factory, no effective safety measures were implemented by the officials. The administration emphasized that negligence and irregularities in regulatory compliance played a role in the tragic accident.
During their suspension period, the two officers will be stationed at the Dewas Collector’s Office and will receive subsistence allowance as per regulations. The administration had already taken stringent action by invoking the National Security Act (NSA) against the factory owner, Anil Malviya, who was arrested post the explosion on May 14. Additionally, a Magisterial inquiry has been ordered by Divisional Commissioner Ashish Singh to investigate the blast’s cause, assess compliance with safety regulations, and review the factory’s licenses.
The explosion resulted in the loss of five workers’ lives, with several others sustaining severe burn injuries and currently receiving treatment in hospitals. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav visited the injured individuals undergoing treatment in Indore, demonstrating the government’s concern for those affected by the tragic incident.
