Seven killed in chemical factory fire in Rajasthan
JAIPUR, Feb 16: Seven people were burnt alive in an illegal firecracker-manufacturing factory in Bhiwadi, Rajasthan’s Khairthal-Tijara district on Monday. The factory, officially leased as a garment unit, was found producing firecrackers illegally, according to Sumitra Pareek, Additional District Magistrate. Two trapped workers were rescued and taken to Delhi’s Safdarjung Hospital in critical condition. The fire broke out in the Khushkhera-Karoli industrial area, trapping nine workers; seven died, while others escaped. The blaze, preceded by a loud explosion captured on CCTV, was controlled after over 90 minutes. Gunpowder, firecrackers, and packing materials were recovered, and some bodies were reduced to skeletons. Officials, including CM Bhajanlal Sharma, Forest Minister Sanjay Sharma, and District Collector Artika Shukla, launched a relief, rescue, and investigation operation. Forensic teams collected evidence, while political leaders, including Ashok Gehlot and Tikaram Jully, expressed condolences. The cause of the fire is under investigation. (PTI)
Gorakhpur doctor receives ransom call, family at risk
Gorakhpur, Feb 16: Gorakhpur-based doctor Dr. Pankaj Kumar Dixit, who runs Mansi Hospital in Shahpur, has alleged receiving extortion calls demanding Rs 15 lakh and threats to kill his family and shut down his hospital. According to Dixit, the first call came on the night of February 12 from a man identifying himself as Rahul Sharma, who demanded the money and warned of dire consequences. A second threatening call followed on February 14, with the caller using abusive language and reiterating the threats. Distressed, Dixit filed a formal complaint with SSP Kaustubh, seeking police protection for himself and his family. Acting swiftly, the Gorakhpur crime branch and Shahpur police have launched an investigation. Call detail records (CDRs) are being analyzed to trace the caller and determine if he is acting alone or as part of an organized extortion gang. Additional SP Abhinav Tyagi stated that the accused is expected to be arrested soon, while Dixit’s family continues to live in fear due to the threats. Authorities are treating the matter with urgency to prevent further escalation.. (PTI)
Minor girl ‘sexually assaulted’ in Andhra, kin held
Amaravati, Feb 16: A minor girl has been allegedly sexually assaulted by her relative in Krishna district, following which the accused was arrested, police said on Monday. According to Gudivada DSP Dheeraj Vinil, the incident occurred on February 7 after the child’s mother returned to her parental home on February 5 following a family dispute. “After giving the child a bath, the accused sexually assaulted the minor. We registered a case immediately and arrested him,” Vinil told reporters. The girl’s mother lodged a complaint at Pedaparupudi police station on February 14, following which police initiated action. The accused was apprehended based on reliable information and will be produced before court, they said. Meanwhile, a case was registered under Section 65(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 4 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012. (PTI)
