Nearly 11,000 kg of Gunpowder Stored Without Licence, Says Police Probe
Panaji, March 27 – A massive blast at a private ammunition factory in South Goa last week was triggered by the illegal storage of nearly 11,000 kilograms of gunpowder, according to a police investigation. The explosion occurred at the warehouse of M/s Hughes Precision Manufacturing Pvt Ltd, a manufacturer of small calibre ammunition.
Fire Sparked Explosion at Night, No Casualties Reported
The incident took place at 10:30 PM on March 20 in Naqueri-Betul village, where a fire broke out in the company’s warehouse filled with explosives. This led to a powerful blast that destroyed 14.5 tonnes of gunpowder, as previously confirmed by police on March 21. Although no casualties were reported, the explosion caused cracks in nearby houses, raising alarm among local residents.
Police: Company Stored Explosives Without Mandatory Licence
In a statement issued on Wednesday, a police spokesperson revealed that the firm had stored 11,000 kg of gunpowder in one of the magazines at the warehouse without securing the required licence from regulatory authorities. The Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO), which operates under the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry, had not granted permission for the storage.
PESO Suspends Firm’s Licence; Officials Booked
Following the revelations, PESO has suspended the company's licence for storing gunpowder at the facility. Meanwhile, the South Goa Deputy Collector, based in Quepem, has lodged a formal complaint against the company's management and staff for violating safety guidelines that were stipulated during the issuance of licences for transportation and storage of propellants.
Case Registered Under New Legal Provisions
The Cuncolim Police, currently leading the investigation, have booked the officials of Hughes Precision under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, citing endangerment to human life and damage to property.
The company also operates a manufacturing plant at Verna Industrial Estate in South Goa.
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