Raipur Dynamite Factory Explosion: Unanswered Questions and Growing Protests

In Bemetara district, Chhattisgarh, a devastating explosion occurred at a privately-owned dynamite factory named ‘Special Blasts Pvt Ltd,’ resulting in at least one confirmed death and six injuries. The incident, which took place on Saturday morning, has left the exact number of casualties unclear, with eight families protesting for information about their missing loved ones. Despite the explosion happening more than 30 hours ago, authorities have not filed an FIR or disclosed the full extent of casualties.
The police, led by SP Ram Krishna Sahu, have been tight-lipped about the factory’s ownership, sparking allegations of protection due to the owners’ supposed connections with senior BJP functionaries. The owners, known as the ‘Choudhary brothers,’ are currently untraceable.
Local officials and a technical army team from the Jabalpur Ordnance Factory are conducting investigations and rescue operations amidst the risk of chemical leaks or further explosions. The search efforts are complicated by the blast’s aftermath, which includes a 30-feet-deep crater and the potential for secondary blasts due to the factory’s chemical tanks.
The community’s frustration is growing, with demands for accountability and transparency from the authorities. The state government has announced compensation for the victims’ families, but the delay in official responses and the lack of information have exacerbated tensions in Bemetara.
The incident has raised serious questions about safety norms and labor records in privately-owned factories, especially those dealing with dangerous materials like dynamite.