SBL blast: Accused apply for pre-arrest bail, NBWs issued

Nagpur: Police have sought non-bailable warrants (NBWs) against several key accused in the devastating Kalmeshwar blast case that claimed 23 lives, even as those absconding individuals moved a sessions court seeking anticipatory bail to avoid imminent arrest.The developments follow the tragic explosion earlier this month at a licensed explosives manufacturing unit in Raulgaon village in Kalmeshwar taluka of Nagpur district. The blast claimed 23 lives and left more than 20 people, mostly women, critically injured.An FIR was registered against 21 individuals, including promoters, directors, and shareholders, under Section 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) of the BNS. Police have arrested 11 company officials, including directors and senior managers, in connection with the incident. As soon as the police came to know about the anticipatory bail plea move, the Nagpur Rural police on Monday filed applications seeking non-bailable warrants against them.Sources said the police are keen to have the accused declared proclaimed offenders. Such a move would allow authorities to attach their properties and enable arrests anywhere in the country at a later stage.Investigations by a joint team of PESO (Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation) and DISH (Directorate of Industrial Safety and Health) has revealed serious lapses at the unit, despite it holding valid permissions.Probe pointed to multiple violations of standard operating procedures, including improper storage of chemicals, lack of regular safety drills, and absence of required emergency exits.Cops have already issued lookout circulars against 10 individuals in the case.