Harda Factory Blast: Government Raises 2.65 Crore from Auctioning Factory Owners' Assets to Compensate Victims

Bhopal- In a landmark development, Madhya Pradesh witnessed a groundbreaking initiative in the aftermath of the Harda firecracker factory blast case. On Tuesday, the government undertook the auction of 24 properties belonging to the accused with the aim of compensating the victims.

Surpassing all expectations, the auction fetched a staggering Rs 2.65 crore, which was three times higher than the government's initial valuation. This unprecedented step marks the first instance in the state where the property of the accused has been auctioned to provide compensation to the victims, even while the case remains pending in court.

Typically, in such legal scenarios, the auction process is halted upon obtaining a court stay. However, in the Harda case, the administration proactively approached the court and secured a caveat regarding the auction process before proceeding. As a result, despite appeals from the accused party to the High Court against orders from the NGT, Collector, and Tehsildar, no stay was granted. Consequently, the administration was able to proceed with the auction, ensuring swift action towards compensating the victims.

Efforts to stall the auction continued, with the accused filing a petition in the Jabalpur High Court seeking a stay on the proceedings until the case concludes. Despite a thorough hearing, the court declined to grant a stay on the auction. Shedding light on the legal intricacies of the case, esteemed legal expert and advocate Sheikh Moin elucidated that the property of the accused is subject to auction under the Revenue Act. He emphasized that if residential properties and land are utilized for illicit commercial activities, the government reserves the right to seize such assets.

The auction was conducted in accordance with the directive of the National Green Tribunal (NGT). The properties belonging to Rajesh, son of Nandlal, and Somesh, son of Nandlal Aggarwal, who are accused in the Bairagarh firecracker factory blast case, were auctioned at the premises of the court of Tehsildar in Harda.

Collector Aditya Singh disclosed that the total immovable property owned by both accused individuals is Khasra number 24, with a government-guided valuation of Rs 69,41,984. Remarkably, the highest bid received for this property amounted to Rs 2,65,42,000.

He further elaborated that no bids were placed for two other immovable properties of the accused, namely Khasra number 160/18 in village Rahtakhurd and Nazul seat number 10B plot number 74 located in Ward 5 of Harda. The government guidelines value these properties at Rs 1,54,85,875, while their market price is approximately Rs 3,99,50,000.

Collector Singh clarified that the properties which did not receive bids during Tuesday's auction will undergo another round of auction within the next 7 days. Furthermore, the lands for which the highest bids were received will be forwarded to the district-level team for approval. Following approval, actions will be taken as per established protocols.

The Grim Toll: Fatality and Devastation in Harda Factory Blast

On February 6, the tragic explosion occurred at the Harda firecracker factory, resulting in the loss of thirteen lives and leaving over two hundred individuals injured. The devastating blast also caused extensive damage to more than a dozen nearby houses. While the administration initially promised compensation for the victims, concerns have arisen as only Rs 2.5 lakh is being offered as compensation. Consequently, both the victims and other members of the community have staged protests, demanding adequate compensation for the losses incurred.

The explosion wreaked havoc on the surrounding area, damaging a total of 59 houses situated near the factory. Among these, 39 houses were completely destroyed, including 21 residences constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Aawas Yojana. Currently, 129 individuals from 48 families have been accommodated in relief camps, grappling with the aftermath of the disaster.

In response to the incident, seven individuals have been arrested in connection with the blast. The arrested individuals include Raju alias Rajesh Aggarwal and Somesh Aggarwal, sons of Nandlal Aggarwal, Manny alias Rafiq Khan, Ashish and Aman Tamkhane, sons of Radhakishan Tamkhane, Abhishek Aggarwal, son of Ashok Aggarwal and Ayush Garg, a resident of Ajnas Road, Khategaon district, Dewas.

Translated by Geetha Sunil Pillai