MUMBAI: The owner of a gas cylinder godown was arrested late on Wednesday after four daily wage workers were injured in a fire that occurred early in the day.
Versova police found out that the accused Hoti Wadilal (45), who runs the godown, has been running it illegally without any permission in a residential locality. No action was taken by any authority against Wadilal in the past for running the business in the residential locality that could have led to hazardous consequences. If punished Wadilal will be imprisoned for three years.
Four injured in cylinder blast in Versova
The fire broke at around 9.45am in the cylinder gas Godown on Yari Road in Versova. The injured—Rakesh Kadu (30), Laxman Kumvat (24), Manjit Khan (20), and Mukesh Kumvat (30)—were rushed to the Cooper hospital where they are being treated. Police said Kadu and Laxman have suffered 40 per cent burn injuries while Khan and Mukesh 60 per cent.
Versova police senior inspector Siraj Inamdar said they have arrested Godown owner Hoti Wadilal for not following the safety measures and was running the business in a residential area illegally for the last 7-8 years. Wadilal has been booked under sections of the Indian Penal Code for 285 (negligent conduct with respect to fire or combustible matter), 308 (attempt to commit culpable homicide), 337 & 338 (grievous hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others) and under the Essential Commodity Act.
Wadilal will be produced before the Andheri Court on Thursday.