Safidon factory fire death toll rises to 7

Jind: Death toll in Jind's Safidon town factory accident is now seven.During a press conference, Jind SP Kuldeep Singh stated that a man was smoking near the factory gate, which allegedly caused the incident.It is noteworthy that in the Safidon factory fire case, the number of casualties recorded was initially four on the first day of the incident (March 7). However, three more women died during treatment, raising the total toll to seven. Around 15 people were also injured in the incident, most of whom are women, said the SP.The factory reportedly operated illegally, where Holi colours were being manufactured. Although the Holi festival had already passed, workers were still engaged in the factory to wrap up and handle remaining materials.The SP said on March 7, the Safidon city police station had received information that a fire had broken out in a factory. As soon as the information was received, a police team reached the spot and found that the fire raged intensely inside a house-like factory building, and the main gate of the factory was locked.The fire brigade and ambulances were immediately called to the spot, and the fire was brought under control through joint efforts. During the rescue operation, several people were found inside the factory in severely burnt condition. They were immediately shifted by ambulances to the general hospital in Safidon, Hisar, Panipat, and PGIMS Rohtak.During examination at the hospital, the doctors declared four of the women dead.Based on the statement of Vijay, son of deceased Guddi of Safidon, an FIR was registered at the local city police station under sections 287, 288, 106(1), 125, 143(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Section 5 of the Explosives Act and provisions of the Bonded Labour Act, said SP Kuldeep Singh.The police have arrested factory owner Rakesh, a resident of Safidon. A SIT, led by IPS Sonakshi Singh, has been formed to nab other accused and unearth the entire issue, he added.