23 killed in explosion at firecracker factory in Punjab’s Gurdaspur, CM orders magisterial probe

Punjab Chief Minister Capt. Amarinder Singh on Wednesday ordered a magisterial inquiry into the Batala firecracker factory blast that killed 23 people and left 27 injured. An official spokesperson of the state government informed that Deputy commissioner (Batala) has been asked to conduct the inquiry into the tragic incident.

The CM has also directed the Rural Development and Panchayats Minister Tript Rajinder Singh Bajwa to immediately rush to the spot to oversee the relief and rescue operations.

An ex-gratia grant of ₹2 lakh has also been announced for the kin of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the seven severely injured, who were referred to Amritsar Medical College. A sum of ₹25,000 has also been announced for those with minor injuries.

The CM has also directed both the Civil and Police administration of district Gurdaspur to extend all possible help to the victims’ families in this hour of grief. He also directed the Deputy Commissioner, Gurdaspur, to provide the best possible treatment to the injured free of cost, besides asking SSP Batala to supervise the evacuation operations being carried out by the NDRF teams.