Pune: Gas Cylinder Blast In Viman Nagar Raises Questions On Police Oversight, Senior Officer Assigned To Conduct Inquiry

Viman Nagar, 30th December 2023: A dangerous explosion occurred on Wednesday (27th December) afternoon in a godown located in the airport area near the last bus stop of PMPML, where a substantial quantity of gas cylinders was illegally stored. Twelve cylinders exploded in rapid succession, prompting an immediate response from the authorities.

Police Commissioner Retesh Kumaarr, taking serious note of the incident, has initiated an inquiry through Additional Commissioner of Police Ranjan Kumar Sharma.

The godown in question, implicated in this incident, has reportedly been operating with the tacit approval of a policeman. Disturbingly, it has come to light that the individual associated with the godown frequently visits the police station, raising questions about the potential negligence or involvement of the local police.

The incident took place in the vicinity of a housing project near Symbiosis College in Viman Nagar, close to a Labor Colony. The explosion not only damaged the godown but also caused a ripple effect, leading to a fire that spread to the nearby labourers’ huts, resulting in significant losses.

In response to the emergency, 30 firefighters swiftly intervened, managing to extract approximately 100 cylinders from the godown.
The prompt action of the fire brigade ensured the safe evacuation of women and children from the nearby colony, averting potential casualties.

The incident has brought to the forefront a suspected black market for gas cylinders, with the illegal sale of cylinders for domestic and commercial use at inflated prices. The ensuing investigation, led by Additional Commissioner of Police Ranjan Kumar Sharma, is expected to unravel a potential racket involved in these illegal activities.

Senior Police Inspector Anandrao Khobare, in-charge of Vimantal police station, stated, “Investigations are ongoing in the case of the gas cylinder explosion, and the owner of the premises has been arrested. However, the owner is yet to be located. Once found, we will ascertain from which agency he was sourcing the cylinders, and appropriate action will be taken against the concerned agencies.”