Deesa, April 3 – The Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the Gujarat government has officially begun its probe into the deadly warehouse explosion near Deesa in Banaskantha district that claimed the lives of 21 people. On Thursday, SIT members visited the explosion site and commenced their investigation.

The SIT, led by senior IAS officer Bhavin Pandya, was formed on Tuesday to examine all aspects related to the massive explosion that occurred at an illegal firecracker storage facility. Pandya currently serves as the Secretary (Land Reforms) in the Gujarat Revenue Department.

The SIT team convened at Deesa Circuit House in the morning, where they held discussions before proceeding to the explosion site. They were accompanied by Banaskantha Superintendent of Police Akshyaraj Makwana and other district officials during the inspection.

Speaking to reporters in Deesa, Pandya confirmed that the SIT had officially started its inquiry and had collected preliminary information from local authorities after inspecting the site.

According to the initial findings by the district police, the explosion and subsequent fire were triggered by aluminum powder used in firecracker manufacturing. The incident led to widespread devastation, resulting in the death of 21 individuals.

The SIT's investigation will delve into the cause of the explosion, assess regulatory lapses, and determine accountability in the operation of the illegal warehouse.

Banaskantha, April 2 – The aftermath of the tragic explosion at an illegal firecracker warehouse near Deesa in Gujarat’s Banaskantha district has left families shattered, with relatives of the deceased transporting the bodies of 21 victims back to their native villages in Madhya Pradesh on Wednesday morning. Among the deceased were five children, all residents of Sandalpur and Hadiya villages in the districts of Dewas and Harda.

As per agency report, one of the grieving relatives, Chandrasinh Nayak, who works at a plastic factory in Dholka, Ahmedabad, lost six family members in the incident, including his daughter, son-in-law, granddaughter Radha (3), grandson Abhishek (10), and two more members from his son-in-law’s family. He shared that his daughter and her husband had recently begun working at the warehouse, while the mother-in-law had been employed there earlier as well.

The emotional toll was evident as Nayak described the loss, stating that 10 of the victims were from Sandalpur and 11 from Hadiya. Rajesh Nayak, a survivor of the blast, recalled that the explosion occurred around 9:45 AM on Tuesday, just as workers began arriving at the site.

Inspector V. G. Prajapati from Deesa Rural Police Station confirmed that ambulances carrying the bodies had started departing for the victims' hometowns. So far, ten ambulances, each carrying two coffins, have been dispatched.

Madhya Pradesh Minister Nagarsingh Chauhan, who visited Deesa along with Gujarat’s Industries Minister Balvantsinh Rajput, stated that both state governments are extending all necessary support to the affected families. He emphasized the shared responsibility and inter-state movement for employment, adding that the tragedy has deeply impacted the nation and will be treated with the seriousness it demands.

The incident occurred on Tuesday morning at a warehouse where firecrackers were being stored and allegedly manufactured illegally. The explosion triggered a massive fire and partial building collapse, killing 21 people, including five children, and injuring six others.

Palanpur (Gujarat), April 1 – A devastating fire broke out at a firecracker warehouse near Deesa town in Gujarat's Banaskantha district on Tuesday morning, leading to the deaths of 18 people and injuries to five others. The blaze, followed by a powerful explosion, caused parts of the building to collapse, trapping many inside.

According to Superintendent of Police Akshayaraj Makwana, the incident occurred around 9:45 AM. Most of the victims were laborers from Madhya Pradesh and their family members. The majority of the fatalities were caused by the collapse of a concrete slab triggered by the explosion. He clarified that the facility was used solely for storing firecrackers, and there was no evidence yet to suggest that manufacturing activities were taking place on the premises. Earlier reports had mistakenly identified the facility as a factory.

As per agency report, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and announced ex-gratia payments of Rs 4 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured. Taking to social media platform X, Patel described the incident as heartbreaking and conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families. He stated that he is in constant contact with the local administration and has directed officials to ensure prompt medical treatment for the injured.

Patel further prayed for peace for the departed souls and wished for the speedy recovery of the injured. Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav also expressed grief over the loss of lives of workers from his state and assured full support to the victims and their families. He confirmed that the Madhya Pradesh government is in continuous coordination with authorities in Gujarat and that all necessary efforts will be made to assist those affected by the tragedy.

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], December 9: In a significant development in its solar power initiative, Rhetan TMT Limited, a leading name in steel manufacturing, has identified a site in Banaskantha for setting up its 2 MW solar power project. The company is set to enter into a lease deed for land in Banaskantha’s Un village for the project, aimed at powering its factory at Kadi in Mehsana.

This development follows a strategic decision to shift the project site from Aravalli district due to unforeseen challenges with the lessors. The company has already placed an order for plant installation and has received provisional approval from the Gujarat Energy Development Agency (GEDA). Moreover, an application for connectivity approval was submitted to Gujarat Energy Transmission Corporation (GETCO) on December 6, with approval anticipated by mid-January.

Highlights:

• At ₹21.70, the stock has grown by an impressive 178% in just over a year
• Announces plans to establish a 2 MW solar power plant at a newly leased site in Banaskatha, Gujarat.
• GETCO approval expected by mid-January 2025
• project completion anticipated by April-May 2025

The solar power plant, projected to be operational by April-May 2025, underscores Rhetan TMT’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions. Once completed, the plant will significantly reduce energy costs and advance the company’s carbon footprint reduction goals.

Commenting on the development, Shalin Shah, Managing Director of Rhetan TMT Limited, said, “This solar power project represents a huge step in our journey toward sustainable growth. Despite the initial challenges, the new lease arrangement aligns well with our project timelines and strategic objectives. The project underscores our dedication to reducing energy costs and transitioning towards cleaner energy solutions to power our factory. We are committed to aligning our operations with sustainability and innovation.”

With our four decades of expertise in the manufacturing and trading of steel products, Rhetan TMT successfully raised capital through its IPO in 2022 to fund its growth plans. It expanded capacity at the Kadi factory from 30,000 metric tonnes per annum to 45,000 mtpa by installing a fully mechanised rolling mill with a capacity of 100-120 metric tonnes per day. Its flagship products, Thermo-Mechanically Treated (TMT) bars, are renowned for their superior strength, ductility, and weldability. The company also produces high-quality mild steel round bars extensively used in various industries.

About Rhetan TMT

Founded in 1984, Rhetan TMT Ltd has become a trusted name in the steel manufacturing industry. The company specializes in Thermo-Mechanically Treated (TMT) bars and mild steel round bars, which are widely used in construction and engineering. Known for their strength, durability, and adherence to ISI standards, Rhetan TMT products are essential for building homes, bridges, dams, and high-rise structures.

Headquartered in Gujarat, Rhetan TMT operates a fully mechanized rolling mill with a production capacity of 45,000 MT per annum, reflecting its commitment to innovation and operational excellence.

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Palanpur, 7 October : A tragic bus accident occurred near the Trisulia Ghat Hanuman Temple between Ambaji and Danta in Banaskantha district, resulting in the deaths of four passengers and injuring over 25 others. The injured have been rushed to Palanpur Hospital for treatment. Initial reports suggest that the bus driver was under the influence of alcohol. Several senior police and administrative officials have reached the site, and rescue operations are underway.

The accident happened on Monday morning when passengers from Kheda district’s Kathlal were returning from the renowned Shakti site, Ambaji, after their pilgrimage. As the bus approached the Trisulia Ghat Hanuman Temple, it collided with the roadside railing and overturned, causing injuries to many. The bus was carrying 52 passengers at the time of the incident. The death of four passengers has been confirmed, while over 25 injured individuals have been hospitalized.

According to some passengers, the bus driver was intoxicated and lost control while navigating the sharp turns in Trisulia Ghat. As a result, the bus crashed into the railing and overturned. R.B. Gohil, the police inspector from Ambaji Police Station, confirmed that passengers from Nadiad and Kheda had come to visit the Ambaji temple on Sunday and were returning home when the tragic accident occurred.

Palanpur, October 6 – In a tragic road accident near Kheemat village in Banaskantha district, three youths lost their lives, and one was critically injured after a collision between a car and a bike. The car involved in the accident did not have a license plate, and three number plates were found inside the vehicle. The injured person has been admitted to a nearby hospital for treatment.

According to police, the victims have been identified as Mahipatsinh Vaghela, Pankajsinh Vaghela, and Yogendrasinh Vaghela, while Mahavir Vaghela sustained severe injuries. The group, all residents of Dhada village, were returning home after attending a Garba event in Kheemat village late on Saturday night. Around 11:30 PM, their bike was hit by an oncoming car near Umedpura Patia, causing a massive impact that wrecked both the bike and the car. The three youths died on the spot, and one was rushed to the hospital in critical condition.

Eyewitnesses reported that the bike was dragged approximately 200 meters by the car after the collision. A video has surfaced showing liquor bottles inside the car, though the police have not mentioned this detail in the official complaint. The police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) and initiated an investigation into the incident.

Palanpur : At a Congress rally in Lakhani, Banaskantha, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra targeted the BJP government, accusing it of failing on issues like inflation and unemployment. She criticized PM Modi, alleging that he has eroded people's rights and no longer listens to their demands, contrasting this with the era when villagers could approach the Prime Minister directly for their needs, a tradition she attributed to Mahatma Gandhi.

Priyanka defended her brother, Rahul Gandhi, against accusations of being a "prince," highlighting his extensive travels across the country to understand people's issues. She criticized the Modi government on various fronts, including the leak of exam papers, farmer loan waivers, and GST on agricultural products.

Promising reforms, Priyanka stated that a Congress government would establish a permanent commission for farmer loan waivers, eliminate GST on agricultural goods, ensure prompt compensation for crop losses within 30 days, and raise the minimum wage to Rs 400 nationwide.

In North Gujarat's Banaskantha district, a terrifying car crash occurred at Dhanera that was astonishingly caught on CCTV. The driver, who reportedly lost control of the vehicle while travelling at high speed along the highway, veered off course into a petrol pump compound. The vehicle scaled a 6-foot wall before flipping backwards into a field. Remarkably, the driver escaped this harrowing incident with his life intact, and no fatalities were reported.

The CCTV cameras installed at the petrol pump captured the entire incident, which has since gone viral on social media. The sequence of events, reminiscent of a movie stunt, has left viewers astonished. As of now, no police complaint has been lodged in connection with the accident.

The petrol pump, located near Samarwada at Dhanera, was where the high-speed car dramatically lost control. After breaching the petrol pump premises, the car's momentum carried it up and over a 9-foot wall before it landed in the adjacent field and overturned.

What amplified the relief at the miraculous escape of the driver was the fortuitous circumstance of the petrol pump being closed at the time of the accident. As a result, there was no pedestrian traffic or other vehicles present, a fact that undoubtedly helped prevent a worse outcome.

Gujarat: Unseasonal rains, as predicted by the Meteorological Department, have led to dramatic weather changes in various parts of the state since Thursday morning. Many areas experienced cloudiness, thunder, lightning, and strong winds, resulting in heavy rains in Kutch, Ambaji, and Deesa. Hail accompanied rain in some parts of the state, leading to concerns about widespread crop damage.

Farmers in Gujarat have faced significant losses due to unseasonal rains in recent years. On Thursday, heavy rains affected several areas, including Banaskantha, Ambaji, and Kutch. Torrential rains flooded many shops in Ambaji, while strong winds created a mini storm-like atmosphere in Banaskantha. The heavy rains caused road flooding, leading to difficulties for vehicle drivers and creating an Ashadh-like atmosphere during the summer days.

In the afternoon, a sudden weather change brought strong winds to Kutch and Deesa. Several villages in Bhachau taluka of Kutch were affected, while Deesa and Ambaji also experienced rain. According to sources, Deesa saw rain with hailstorms, while Ambaji faced heavy rain. The rainfall raises concerns about potential damage to crops such as wheat and castor in Kutch and other parts of the state.