The Newz Radar
BADDI: In the wake of the devastating fire that engulfed the premises of Aroma Aromatics and Flavours at Jharmajri in Barotiwala industrial zone of Himachal Pradesh’s Solan district, the police have arrested the plant head, Chandershekhar, on the charges of negligence and culpable homicide.
A woman was killed while 13 persons are said to be missing in the massive fire that broke out in the factory on Friday (February 2, 2024) afternoon.
Chandershekhar’s arrest comes in the aftermath of the filing of an FIR by the Baddi police against the management of the perfume manufacturing unit. The fire has prompted a frantic search operation led by a collaborative effort between the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), local police and home guards.
Initial reports indicated that nine workers were missing following the inferno. However, subsequent investigations conducted by local authorities, in coordination with labour contractors and factory management, revealed that a total of 13 persons remain unaccounted for as of now. The search operation, focused on locating the missing workers within the unit premises, continues amid heart-wrenching scenes of grieving relatives awaiting news of their loved ones while holding their pictures in their hands.
Director General of Police Sanjay Kundu visited the affected site to oversee the ongoing rescue and relief efforts. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu is also scheduled to visit the site later this afternoon. “As investigations into the fire incident unfold, the authorities are determined to ascertain accountability and ensure justice for the victims and their families. The tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of stringent fire safety measures,” said a fire department official.
