Odisha govt orders probe into fire at gutkha unit in Sambalpur

SAMBALPUR: The Odisha government has directed the Sambalpur district collector to conduct an inquiry into the fire at the gutkha manufacturing unit at Pardhiapali under the Ainthapali police station in Sambalpur city. As many as 28 people suffered burn injuries in the mishap that took place on Monday.
Odisha labour minister Susant Singh said, "The incident has come to the notice of the state government and the direction has already been issued to the Sambalpur district collector to form a team to inquire into the matter and submit a report." He added that action will be taken against all those found guilty in the inquiry.
The Directorate Factories and Boilers on Tuesday issued a notice to the gutkha manufacturing unit to stop operation after officials found that the unit was running without hydrant pipelines, a mandatory for factories that work with hazardous materials and chemicals.
During the investigation, the directorate officials also found that the staff were working in a closed chamber when the mishap took place.
The police have also registered a case against Vaibabh Pandey, owner of the gutkha manufacturing unit, and its management under Sections 285 (negligent conduct with respect to fire or combustible matter), 287 (negligent conduct with respect to machinery) 337 (causing hurt by an act which endangers human) and 338 (causing grievous hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others) of the IPC.
Of the total injured, 11 are undergoing treatment at IGH Rourkela. The conditions of two persons are stated to be critical.