Three labourers die a day after fire; minister wants illegal factories surveyed

Hubballi: The three labourers who sustained burns in a fire mishap at a factory in Tarihal on Saturday succumbed to their injuries. Meanwhile, district minister Halappa Achar has instructed officials to conduct a survey on unregistered factories in Dharwad district.
Among the eight injured persons, Vijayalaxmi Yachhanagar (34) succumbed to injuries on Saturday late night while Malesh Haddannavar (25) of Kalghatgi, and Gouravva Hiremath (45) of Tarihal died on Sunday morning. Sources in KIMS Hospital said that all the three had sustained over 80% burn injuries. Five others who sustained injuries are undergoing treatment.
Minister Halappa visited the factory in Tarihal and announced Rs 5 lakh compensation to the kin of the deceased. However, factory workers demanded more compensation for the deceased.
Achar told media persons that he has instructed district administration to prosecute the factory owner. “We have also asked officials to conduct a survey on illegal factories that are functioning in the eight industrial zones of the district. They will submit a report within three days. We have learnt that the factory was started a month ago, but had not obtained permission from the government,” he added.
“The women and family welfare department will provide a three-year grant to the children of the deceased. If the family agrees to send the young children to Bal Mandir, the government will be responsible for their education and boarding,” he added.
The minister visited Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) and interacted with injured persons. MLA Arvind Bellad, deputy commissioner Gurudatta Hegde, police commissioner Labhu Ram, Dharwad superintendent of police (SP) Lokesh Jagalasara and other officials accompanied the minister.
In the evening, leader of Opposition in council B K Hariprasad visited injured persons in KIMS and urged the government to take strict measures to avert such incidents.