The investigation into the fire at HPCL Rajasthan Refinery Limited (HRRL) in Barmer, Rajasthan commenced following the incident on April 20. A high-level central probe team has been dispatched to assess the situation, addressing the incident with urgency. Multiple agencies, including the National Investigation Agency (NIA), are undertaking comprehensive investigations to ascertain the nature of the fire, determining whether it was accidental, due to negligence, or possibly motivated by a larger conspiracy.

According to sources from India Today, the NIA team, which includes intelligence personnel, forensic experts, and cyber specialists, has already arrived at the refinery site from Jaipur. Their primary focus is the Crude Distillation Unit (CDU), identified as the source of the fire. By collecting physical evidence and examining operational processes, investigators aim to create a timeline of events leading up to the blaze.

Security Protocols Under Review

Security at the refinery is maintained under a three-tier system, predominantly managed by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). Access to the facility is stringently regulated, with strict entry protocols for personnel and vehicles. Only a select number of pre-authorised vehicles are permitted inside high-risk zones, all of which are equipped with essential fire safety measures.

Approximately 100 CISF personnel are assigned in shifts to provide unceasing security at the site. While perimeter security is ensured by the CISF, fire safety is overseen by the internal systems of HPCL. Investigators are currently reviewing whether there were any breaches or lapses in these security protocols that may have contributed to the fire.

Another aspect being scrutinised is the spark arrestor system in vehicles operating within the refinery premises. These devices are crucial for preventing ignition risks by containing or extinguishing sparks emitted from engine exhausts. Agencies are assessing whether compliance with safety regulations regarding this technology was maintained during the incident.

Postponement of Prime Minister’s Visit

The fire has prompted the postponement of the Prime Minister’s planned visit to inaugurate the refinery project, which was scheduled for April 21, the day after the incident. Officials have confirmed that a new date will be announced once the situation is stabilised.

Initial findings from investigators suggest that a hydrocarbon leak in the heat exchanger circuit of the CDU may have been the catalyst for the fire. A significant concern is the reported delay in alarm activation, which raises questions about the safety systems in place at the refinery. Investigators are exploring the reasons behind the failure to trigger alerts prior to the escalation of the fire.

The investigations are concentrating on three essential aspects: technical failure, possible human error, and potential cyber interference. The refinery’s SCADA system, responsible for digital control of operations, is currently under examination for any anomalies in command logs and network activity.

Furthermore, officials are investigating whether system parameters were manipulated or if there was any external cyber intrusion. The timing of similar incidents at refineries around the world is also being considered to rule out any coordinated patterns. Thus far, no conclusive evidence of sabotage has surfaced, but all potential angles are being explored.

Key state officials, including Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma and senior bureaucrats, have visited the incident site. A parallel state-level investigation may also be initiated as authorities work diligently to uncover the true cause of the fire and ensure accountability for any lapses that occurred.

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