A devastating explosion and fire, triggered by fireworks, tore through a residential area in Patharpratima’s Dakshin Raipur Tritiya Gheri late Monday night. The tragedy claimed eight lives, including four young children, leaving the community enraged and questioning the role of administrative oversight in preventing such incidents.
Victims Identified, Family Devastated
The blast, which occurred within the jurisdiction of Dholahat police station, completely destroyed the home of the Banik family. The deceased have been identified as Arvind Banik (65), Prabhavati Banik (80), Santwana Banik (28), and her children Arnab (9) and Asmita (8 months), along with Anushka (6) and Ankit (6 months), the children of Tushar Banik. Tushar’s wife, Rupa Banik, who was critically injured, later succumbed to her wounds at the hospital.
Residents Demand Accountability
The tragedy has reignited public anger over the lack of regulatory enforcement. While official sources confirm that the Banik family held a valid license for firework production, residents allege that unauthorized manufacturing had been taking place at the residence for some time. Many claim that previous complaints to authorities went unaddressed, allowing such dangerous activities to continue unchecked.
“We repeatedly expressed our concerns, but no action was ever taken. Had the authorities intervened earlier, this disaster might have been averted,” a local resident stated.
Multiple Explosions Raise Further Suspicions
Eyewitnesses reported a series of powerful explosions following the initial blast, fueling speculation that illegal, high-decibel firecrackers were being stored at the site. While Patharpratima MLA Samir Jana suggested a gas cylinder explosion might have played a role, many residents remain skeptical, pointing to a history of similar incidents in the region.
Security Tightened, Investigation Underway
In the wake of the explosion, the affected house has been cordoned off, and the village has been placed under increased police security. A forensic team is set to investigate the site today to determine the exact cause of the explosion and assess any regulatory failures.
Local MP Bapi Haldar is expected to visit the area as the administration promises a thorough probe. However, the community remains aggrieved and is demanding strict action to prevent further tragedies, particularly in light of the recurring nature of such incidents in the district.
A Call for Stronger Safety Measures
As grieving families prepare to lay their loved ones to rest, the larger question looms how could such a disaster be allowed to happen again? With growing public outrage, pressure is mounting on authorities to implement stricter safety regulations and take decisive action against those found responsible for negligence.
