Jind: Four women were killed after a massive fire broke out in a factory in Haryana’s Jind district on Saturday.The factory in Safidon town was involved in manufacturing Holi colours. Also, 17 workers were injured, most of them women, police said.The deceased were identified as Usha (45), Pinki (45), Pooja (27), and Guddi (52). All belonged to Safidon.Jind DC Mohammed Imran Raza said they would investigate allegations that the factory in Bhat Colony had been operating illegally and that its main gate had been locked from outside when the fire broke out, because of which workers inside had problems coming out.Nearly 30 workers were inside the unit when the fire broke out and spread across the entire premises within minutes. Eyewitnesses told the media that the fire started near the unit’s entrance, possibly due to a short circuit. As the fire spread, workers inside, mostly women, panicked. Some ran to the upper floor while others hid inside rooms. A few workers jumped from the roof to save themselves and raised the alarm outside.Local youths risked their lives and entered the factory to rescue trapped workers. Police also broke a wall to create an exit route for those trapped inside. Fire brigade and ambulance services later handled the rescue operation. “Two women died on the spot due to severe burns. Two more women later succumbed to injuries,” said an official.The DC said serious cases had been referred to PGIMS, Rohtak. He added information suggested the factory owner had rented out the premises. “Police are taking action to detain suspects. A district-wide campaign will also be launched to shut down dangerous factories operating without permission,” he said.Jind SP Kuldeep Singh said an FIR had been filed against the factory owner. Congress MP Satpal Brahmachari demanded a high-level inquiry into the tragedy. He urged Haryana govt to provide Rs 30-lakh compensation to the families of each deceased worker and Rs 5 lakh to the injured.
