Hans News Service Mangaluru

Wednesday’sblast at the MRPL facility near Jokatte has left surrounding residents badly alarmed. People in far-off areas such as Katipalla and Bala also heard the loud noise, and accounts of damage to neighbouring homes and buildings have added to the worry. The Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) has raised concern on the matter. “The occurrence next to a densely lived-in zone is a grave issue. District authorities and industrial safety officers should check without delay whether all norms needed for public safety are being duly followed at MRPL,” a statement from SDPI said.

“A free and high-level investigation should cover the precise reason for the explosion, any fault or carelessness in the safety setup, and the fitness of the emergency-handling system. Findings should be disclosed to citizens,” said Jamal Jokatte, the SDPI Dakshina Kannada District General Secretary.

He further said, “A comprehensive survey of damage to houses, buildings and other assets should start at once, followed by a scientific valuation.