Maharashtra’s Thane Court on Saturday remanded in police custody till May 29 the owner of the chemical factory in Dombivli where an explosion killed nine persons and injured more than 60.
The accused, Malay Mehta, owner of Amudan Chemicals, was produced before the magistrate court in Kalyan, a spokesperson of the Thane city police said.
Mehta was placed under arrest by the police for fourteen days, and he told the court that they needed to visit the manufacturing site to determine whether any other people were involved in the crime.
According to the official, the police intended to look into everyone’s involvement in the incident because of the massive damage caused by the explosion.
Mehta’s attorney said that the business complied with all laws and had all necessary authorizations.
An additional party intervened in the case, endorsing the police’s request for custody and questioning.
The magistrate remanded the accused in police custody until May 29 after hearing from each of the attorneys, according to the official.
The inquiry has been taken over by the Ulhasnagar unit of the criminal branch.
The owners, directors, managers, and officials in charge of the factory have all been named in a formal complaint filed with the police.
According to the Indian Penal Code, the accused have been charged with culpable homicide, intentionally causing harm, and careless behaviour with combustible materials and explosive chemicals.
In addition to the IPC, the police have also brought charges by the Explosive Substances Act and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act.
According to the FIR, the company had not taken precautions over mixing chemicals, final products, and their storage, knowing well that any lapses might lead to an explosion, which could affect and damage the company and structures around it.
These lapses led to the explosion on Thursday, resulting in deaths on the premises and companies around the factory, the FIR said.