A powerful explosion rocked Bhimada village under Badasahi block in Mayurbhanj district early this morning, after an illegal firecracker manufacturing unit operating inside a farmhouse suddenly detonated.
The blast completely destroyed the thatched roof of the structure and left one woman critically injured.
The victim, Kunjalata Mandal, wife of the unit’s alleged owner Shatrughna Mandal, sustained severe injuries while working inside the facility. She was rushed to Balasore District Headquarters Hospital for initial treatment and later shifted to AIIMS Bhubaneswar due to the seriousness of her condition.
Local sources confirmed that the firecracker unit was operating unlawfully in a secluded area of the farmhouse. The explosion occurred during the mixing of explosive materials, causing widespread panic in the village.
Upon receiving the alert, Badasahi Police Station Officer Swarnalata Minj and her team reached the site, conducted a preliminary assessment, and launched an investigation. The incident has sparked public outrage and raised concerns about the role of local law enforcement, as the illegal unit was reportedly operating under the nose of the Bhimada outpost.
Residents are demanding a thorough inquiry into how such a hazardous operation continued unchecked and whether there was any negligence or complicity involved.
