By: The Trek News Desk
In a major development following the deadly explosion at an explosives manufacturing unit in Maharashtra’s Nagpur district, police have arrested nine directors of the company. The tragic incident claimed the lives of 18 workers, while 24 others sustained serious injuries.
According to officials, a case has been registered at Kalmeshwar Police Station against 21 directors and shareholders of SBL Energy Limited under Section 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. So far, nine directors have been taken into custody, and efforts are ongoing to trace the remaining accused.
The explosion occurred on the morning of Sunday, March 1, 2026, at the detonator packing unit of SBL Energy Limited located in Raulgaon village of Katol tehsil in Nagpur district. The blast was so intense that several workers died on the spot. Many of the bodies were charred beyond recognition, prompting authorities to collect DNA samples from family members to establish the identities of the deceased.
Nagpur Rural Superintendent of Police Dr Harssh Poddar stated that a preliminary report submitted by the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) and the Defence Information System for Security (DISS) highlighted serious lapses in safety compliance at the facility. Based on these findings, a criminal case was registered against the company’s management.
Police officials confirmed that the arrested directors are being interrogated, while teams have been deployed to apprehend the remaining suspects.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered a comprehensive and impartial inquiry into the cause of the explosion. The state government has assured all possible assistance to the families of the deceased and those injured in the incident.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as the investigation progresses.
Source: News Agencies
