Delhi Factory Owner Arrested After Faulty Lift Kills Two Workers
Police in Delhi have arrested the owner of a crockery manufacturing factory following a tragic accident that claimed two lives. The incident occurred in the Samaypur Badli area of northwest Delhi earlier this week.
Details of the Tragic Incident
A goods lift collapsed at the factory, killing two workers who were using it at the time. The victims have been identified as Hariom, a 32-year-old foreman, and Sanjay Mishra, a 45-year-old factory worker. Both men lived in Samaypur Badli.
According to police reports, the lift's cable snapped on January 14, causing the structure to plunge. The two workers had no chance to escape the sudden collapse.
History of Neglect and Warnings
Factory workers told investigators that the goods lift had been malfunctioning for a considerable time. Employees reported unusual noises coming from the equipment regularly.
The machine operator revealed that the previous factory owner had attempted repairs once, but the problems persisted. When ownership changed about four months ago following the original owner's death, workers immediately informed the new owner about the dangerous condition.
Police stated that the current owner, who is the legal heir and daughter of the deceased factory owner, assured workers she would fix the lift. Despite these promises, no repairs ever took place.
"The lift continued to be used daily for carrying heavy cartons of crockery despite repeated warnings," police officials confirmed.
Families Left Devastated
The tragedy has left two families without their primary breadwinners. Sanjay Mishra's brother, Ram Anek, shared heartbreaking details about their situation.
"My brother's wife is physically disabled and unable to walk," Anek explained. "She has been undergoing treatment regularly. The entire responsibility of the household rested on Sanjay's shoulders."
Mishra earned approximately Rs 15,000 monthly, with almost all his income going toward medical expenses, education costs, and basic household needs. His elder son, Deepanshu, recently began teaching tuition classes locally to support himself while pursuing computer courses. The younger son is just 17 years old and still attending school.
Hariom leaves behind a wife and two young children aged eight and nine years. His brother Rajat confirmed that the entire family depended completely on Hariom's earnings, as his wife is a homemaker without independent income.
Legal Action and Arrest
Police registered a case of negligence against the factory owner following the incident. Authorities arrested the current owner, who had taken over the unit after her father's death four months earlier.
The arrest highlights serious concerns about workplace safety standards in manufacturing units across Delhi. Investigators are examining whether proper safety protocols were followed and why dangerous equipment remained in use despite clear warnings.
This tragedy raises important questions about accountability when businesses change hands. The new owner inherited not just the factory but also its existing safety issues, yet failed to address them despite worker complaints.
Local residents and worker advocacy groups are calling for stricter enforcement of safety regulations in industrial areas. They emphasize that preventable accidents like this lift collapse should never occur when proper maintenance and repair protocols are followed.
The case continues as police gather additional evidence and statements from factory employees. Authorities have promised thorough investigation into all aspects of the incident to ensure proper justice for the victims and their families.
