Explosion in South 24 Parganas Leaves Community in Shock
Kolkata, April 1 — The death toll in the tragic gas cylinder explosion at a residence in Dholahat, Pathar Pratima in West Bengal’s South 24 Parganas district rose to eight on Tuesday morning. The latest victim, 40-year-old Sutapa Jana, succumbed to severe burn injuries at SSKM Hospital in Kolkata, police confirmed.Four Children Among the Deceased
The devastating blast occurred on Monday night, killing seven people on the spot, including four children. The victims have been identified as:- Prabhabati Banik (80)
- Arabinda Banik (65)
- Swantana Banik (28)
- Arnab Banik (9)
- Anushka Banik (6)
- Asmita (6 months)
- Ankit (6 months)
Conflicting Claims Over Firecracker Links
Superintendent of Police for Sunderban, Koteswara Rao, denied speculations about a firecracker manufacturing unit being run from the house.“It was a residential building… No firecracker unit was operating there,” Rao stated, clarifying that the area was strictly residential. However, he acknowledged that forensic investigation would determine whether any materials found were linked to firecracker manufacturing.
MLA Confirms Licensed Firecracker Unit Nearby
Samir Kumar Jana, TMC MLA of Pathar Pratima, said the family operated a licensed firecracker unit a few metres from the house.“They had been running the business for some time with proper licensing. It’s possible they stored some raw materials at home, which might have triggered the blast,” Jana explained.
Political Uproar Over Alleged Bomb-Making
Leader of the Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, took a harsh stance, alleging that the house functioned as a crude bomb manufacturing unit.He also blamed Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, calling her an “inefficient Police Minister” and accusing her of negligence.“How many more tragedies will take place before serious action is taken? The DGP must answer why West Bengal is sitting on a pile of crude bombs,” he posted on X (formerly Twitter).
The tragedy has sparked a fresh wave of debate over safety regulations, law enforcement, and political accountability in the state. Authorities await forensic reports to determine the true cause behind the deadly blast.
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