A massive fire broke out early Sunday at the Attichute Exami Private Limited factory in Pada Jamapalli near Rajgangpur, covering a five-kilometre radius with thick black smoke.
The blaze disrupted daily life as dust particles caused eye irritation among commuters and damaged crops in nearby fields.
Witnesses reported that around 15 workers and the factory manager were present when the fire started at 5 am. Despite their presence, no immediate steps were taken to control the flames or alert the electricity department. Locals alleged that the factory, officially ordered shut last year after a worker’s death and pollution concerns, continued operations secretly.
Five fire tenders, supported by Dalmia Cement’s safety team, battled the blaze for nearly six hours. Rajgangpur police, led by Inspector Vijay Nath Das, coordinated efforts at the site. Officers Saroj Kumar Rath, Sushant Kumar Senapati, and Chintamani Meher assisted in controlling the fire.
