The cataclysmic fire broke out on February 2, 2024, at the NR Aromas Co. Ltd. factory in JhadMajri in Barotivala that charred the building to ashes with the fate of over 50 workers still remaining a mystery.
It has raised many questions as over 50 workers were still "missing" from the charred remains of the fire.
The factory, found to be "notorious for its lack of adherence to safety protocols", witnessed a horrifying scene as workers desperate to escape the flames suffered serious injuries.
Taking cognizance of the dangerous fire, HP Director General of Police (DGP) Sanjay Kundu has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) comprising three police officers to probe the calamitous incident.
The charges filed against the factory management include sections 285 (Unlawful conduct in respect of fire or inflammable drink), 336 (endangering the life or personal safety of victims), 337 (endangering life or personal safety of persons with injury), and 304 of IPC.
The gravity of the negligence is highlighted by the fact that 85 workers were present in the factory at the time of the fire, and 30 sustained injuries, most of them jumped out to safety suffered fracture and injuries.
Shockingly, four charred bodies including one of a woman, who was declared dead upon admission to PGI, were recovered from the site so far while others remained missing,, raising questions about the owner of the factory to sabotage the truth about the fire and unlawful activities in factory, sources said.
DGP Kundu, expressing his concern, has urged the public to contact the control room for information on the missing workers. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is currently assessing the structural integrity of the site and dealing with the aftermath, including dangerous gases like Hydrogen Sulfide and Sulphur Dioxide Oxides.
The reckless management practices have prompted the DGP to appeal to the State government, a Central team, and the HP Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) to investigate the incident and collect crucial evidence.
DGP has further sought the intervention of the Central Forensics Expert Team of the Indian Government for a comprehensive forensic examination.
Amidst the chaos, the SIT, led by Additional Superintendent of Police Ashok Varma, Deputy Superintendent of Police Kazana Ram, and Sanjay Sharma has started probe to unveil the extent of the damage caused by the factory's negligence.
The inquiry promises to be conducted with utmost professionalism, ensuring justice for the victims, said DGP.
In the face of this tragedy, the heroic efforts of fire brigades from Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh have been acknowledged for their instrumental role in containing the fire. But most of the workers escaped the blaze by jumping out from the building.
