Indore Workshop Blast: Owner and Manager Booked for Negligence After Explosion
Nearly a month after a devastating blast ripped through a vehicle workshop on AB Road in Indore, leaving two men with severe burns, the Azad Nagar police have taken decisive action. An FIR has been registered against the unit's owner, Mushtaq Ali Khogar, and manager, Abdul Kalam, on charges of alleged negligence. The case stems from a complaint filed by Mohammad Aslam, a resident of Samrat Colony in Khajrana, who was among those injured in the February 4 explosion at the four-wheeler denting and painting workshop.
Details of the Incident and Allegations
According to the complaint, the incident occurred when a truck was brought to the workshop for servicing. The vehicle had a diesel tank installed, and Aslam, who was engaged in welding and denting work at the facility, discovered a substantial quantity of diesel still inside the tank upon opening it. He claimed to have informed the manager that the tank needed to be thoroughly cleaned before any repair or cutting work could be undertaken safely.
Despite this critical warning, the manager allegedly directed Aslam to proceed with cutting the tank using a grinder without first draining or cleaning it. Moments after the grinder was switched on, fumes inside the tank triggered a powerful blast, followed by flames that engulfed the area. Aslam sustained serious burns on both hands, his face, and chest, while a truck driver identified as Raju, who was standing nearby, also suffered facial burns in the explosion.
Police Investigation and Findings
Deputy Commissioner of Police Krishna Lalchandani stated that the case was filed based on Aslam's complaint. The injured were rushed to a private hospital nearly half an hour later by the manager and other staff. During the preliminary inquiry, police uncovered alarming lapses in safety protocols.
Key findings from the investigation include:
- No formal safety training was provided to workers handling fuel tanks.
- Mandatory precautions were not followed while carrying out the repair job.
- The manager allegedly forced workers to undertake hazardous tasks without basic safety measures.
Based on Aslam's statement and the evidence gathered, an FIR has been registered, and further investigation is currently underway to determine the full extent of negligence and ensure accountability.
