Crackers blast near manufacturing unit in Vitla; probe shows lack of permission for factory
Vitla: An incident of crackers blasting at a manufacturing unit in Kambalabettu Nooji near Vitla, causing shock among the local residents, came to light on Friday.
A similar incident was reported from Kore in Madattadka of Mudnooru village here last year, when crackers blasted in large numbers. In addition, heavy damage to the nearby environment was reported.
In a third incident, a cracker blast at Nooji several years ago resulted in the death of two workers.
People are now expressing fear as not only are high-volume explosion sounds being heard from the same place again, but fumes have also filled the air.
The crackers to be used during the festival at the local temple were reportedly manufactured and stocked by Gafur, a resident of Kambalabettu. The crackers, however, are said to have suddenly exploded due to the afternoon heat. No fatalities have been reported in the incident as neither workers nor residents were near the spot.
In 2017, two workers had died on the spot in an explosion that occurred near Gafur’s residence. Although a case had been filed, the court is yet to pass its judgment.
The explosion reported on Friday is learned to have occurred very close to the site that witnessed the blast in 2017.
Revenue Inspector Ravi, Vitla Police Inspector Prakash Devadiga, Sub-Inspector Ramakrishna and constables visited the spot and inspected it.
A primary investigation into the matter has revealed that no official permission had been issued for the manufacture of crackers in the area.
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No date fixed yet for leadership change in Karnataka: Cong chief Kharge
Kalaburagi (Karnataka) (PTI): Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday said that no date has been fixed yet to discuss possible leadership change in Karnataka.
His statement came amid intensifying speculation over a power tussle between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy D K Shivakumar.
Addressing a press conference here, Kharge maintained that any decision regarding leadership would be taken collectively by the party's high command after due consultation.
He also cautioned against misinterpretation of his remarks.
"See, we will take a decision together, the three of us: I as the AICC president, Sonia Gandhi as the Congress Parliamentary Party president, and Rahul Gandhi as the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha. That is why we always act together," he explained.
Kharge further said, "When the three of us fix a date together, we will take a decision. Since no date has been fixed yet, how can I say whether a change is happening or not?"
He asserted that the Congress leadership follows a consultative process before arriving at any conclusion.
"In the high command, we have extensive discussions among ourselves and also consult other senior leaders. We consider what the outcome would be and then take steps accordingly," the Congress chief said.
Stressing that no timeline had been finalised, he said, "When it happens, I will definitely inform you. Please do not misinterpret this."
He noted that he often avoids commenting publicly to prevent misrepresentation.
Emphasising party discipline, Kharge said any eventual decision would be binding on all.
"Whatever decision is taken, it will be in the interest of the state, and everyone will have to support whatever decision the high command takes," he said.
On Thursday, Kharge said there was no change of CM in Karnataka "for now" and that the leadership issue in the state would be resolved soon.
The remarks come amid ongoing speculation over an alleged understanding for a power transfer to Shivakumar when the Congress government completes its halfway mark in November 2025.
While Siddaramaiah has asserted that he intends to complete a full five-year term, he has also said he would abide by any decision taken by the party leadership.
Recently, Shivakumar and his brother D K Suresh's Delhi visit triggered speculation of a leadership change. His supporters are also charged up.
