Nine cops suspended for Kho Nagoriyan tragedy

Jaipur: Police commissioner Sachin Mittal announced the suspension of nine police personnel Wednesday in response to the fire at an illegal firecracker factory and warehouse in Kho Nagoriyan that resulted in the loss of eight lives. The suspension orders came after a preliminary inquiry found significant lapses and negligence on the part of the suspended personnel.

They include Kho Nagoriyan SHO Om Prakash Matwa, head constable Ashok, constables Ramavatar, Dinesh, Asif, Harendra and Ashok. In-charge ASI Amar Singh and beat head constable Pappu Ram, who was responsible for the area where the illegal fireworks unit was operating, were also suspended.

To ensure a comprehensive probe into the incident, commissioner Mittal directed additional commissioner of police (Crime) Ajay Singh to conduct a detailed investigation. A special inquiry committee was constituted under the latter’s supervision to thoroughly examine the circumstances leading to the tragedy, along with issues of compliance with safety norms and the role of officials concerned.

In a proactive move to prevent further incidents, Mittal also ordered a city-wide drive to identify and inspect illegal factories, warehouses and fireworks storage units across the Jaipur commissionerate’s jurisdiction. As part of this initiative, police stations have started door-to-door surveys to locate illegal storage of fireworks and explosives.

“Preventing a recurrence of such incidents is a top priority,” the police commissioner said, adding that “any illegal activity that endangers lives and property will not be tolerated”.

Authorities are currently trying to trace the owner of the building where the illegal factory was operating, as well as the tenant who had rented it out. DCP (East) Ranjita Sharma said police teams have been dispatched to Uttar Pradesh and Delhi to locate and apprehend individuals connected to the illegal fireworks unit. “They will be arrested soon,” she assured.

Preliminary findings suggest the premises were used to fill gunpowder into firecracker shells and store finished products without any of the requisite licences or safety clearances. Investigators are exploring multiple factors that may have caused the fire, including electrical malfunction and issues related to the facility’s power supply.

“All angles are being investigated,” a senior officer said while highlighting the need for improved local intelligence and monitoring to avert such tragedies in the future.