Nagpur Rural Police have launched a massive manhunt for 10 absconding accused in connection with the deadly blast at SBL Energy Limited in Raulgaon near Katol. Among those on the run is the prime accused, Alok Choudhary, said to be the owner of the company where the explosion claimed 19 lives. Police have issued a Look-out Circular (LOC) against Choudhary and nine others to prevent them from fleeing the country. A senior police official said, Choudhary, a resident of Raipur in Chhattisgarh, is considered the key accused in the case. “Preliminary investigation suggests major decisions in the company were taken on the instructions of Alok Choudhary. After the case was registered, he went absconding,” the officer said.

 

Police teams have conducted searches at his Raipur residence, but in vain. An LOC is an alert issued to immigration authorities across airports, seaports and land borders. It helps law enforcement agencies track and detain wanted persons who may try to leave the country. Once an LOC is issued, the accused can be stopped or immediately informed to the police if they attempt international travel. The powerful explosion at the explosives manufacturing unit on Sunday morning triggered a massive fire and caused widespread destruction. Police said, the blast occurred between 6 am and 7 am in the detonator and gunpowder section, where around 35 workers were present. The impact was so severe that parts of the building collapsed instantly. Initially, 18 workers died and 24 others were seriously injured. Many bodies were charred beyond recognition.