The rural police are likely to reach out to the national body of the Petroleum and Explosive Safety Organization (PESO), aiming to expedite their report and expert opinion on the breaches and adherence to safety standards by Solar India industries. The move comes in the aftermath of a TNT blast that resulted in the loss of nine lives, including six women, at the Solar India industries in Kondhali on December 17.
According to sources, PESO had previously given assurance to deliver the report on the safety standard compliances of the internationally recognized explosive manufacturing unit by the end of December.
Amidst the CBI’s recent actions against top PESO officials, including its chief, in a corruption case, the organization is now facing challenges, hampering the rural police’s investigation into the blast case, according to the media report. The authorities are struggling to conclude the case by assigning responsibility and bringing the culprits to justice. SP Nagpur rural Harssh Poddar mentioned that the Regional Forensic Science Laboratory (RFSL) confirmed the presence of TNT, indicating that the blast wasn’t a result of accidental mixing of explosive compounds. Poddar emphasized that fixing accountability is contingent on the PESO report regarding compliance with the Explosives Rules of 2008. He clarified that the ongoing probe is unrelated to the recent troubles faced by PESO officials and decisions on legal provisions will depend on the PESO report. Sources suggest that the collector’s inquiry may also face delays due to PESO officials undergoing a CBI inquiry. Kondhali police in Nagpur rural have filed charges against unidentified persons under bailable sections, with potential adjustments based on the upcoming PESO report.