Forensic reports awaited, probe into perfume factory fire delayed

State and central forensic science labs are yet to finalise their reports about the cause of the fire in an industry at Jharmajri in Baddi in which nine factory workers were charred to death more than 10 months ago.

This has not only delayed a time-bound magisterial probe ordered by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu but also delayed the payment of compensation to the family of the deceased.

The mishap had taken place at perfume manufacturing unit NR Aromas at Jharmajri on February 2.

Additional Deputy Commissioner, Solan, Ajay Yadav, said that the forensic reports of the state and central labs were still awaited. He, however, added that the probe would soon be finalised on the basis of other findings.

In the absence of the forensic science report, the post-mortem report was also delayed as the cause of death could not be ascertained. This had also delayed grant of monetary compensation to the kin of the victims as cause of death could not be established in the post-mortem report.

SDM, Baddi, Vivek Mahajan said that Rs 4 lakh had been granted to the kin of five victims in September while in three cases requisite papers were yet to be submitted to the revenue authorities by the kin of the deceased and in another case the victim’s identification was to be ascertained as the body was charred beyond recognition. Its DNA report was awaited from the forensic experts.

Though the Chief Minister had announced Rs 2.5 lakh to the kin of each victim during a visit to Baddi, the officials did not have resources to pay this amount nor they have a written intimation about it.

As per a preliminary probe, there was an apprehension that the factory used explosives that required the permission of the Petroleum and Explosive Safety Organisation. Whether such chemicals were used or not would be conclusively ascertained by forensic experts only. No permission was sought for the use of any explosive substance, as per the probe conducted by the Additional District Magistrate. As the fire could not be controlled completely even after 72 hours, the presence of some explosives is being suspected.

The forensic experts had lifted four key chemical samples would have helped establish the cause of the fire. Their report was also significant in knowing whether the unit management had properly stored some chemicals, as per the safety manual.