AAP Urges High-Level Independent Inquiry into Aether Industries Fire Tragedy

Surat : The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Surat has raised strong demands for a high-level independent investigation into the devastating fire that engulfed Aether Industries in Sachin GIDC, resulting in the tragic loss of eight lives.

As approximately 10 workers continue to fight for their lives in hospitals, the opposition leader in Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC), Payal Sakariya, alongside AAP party members, presented a memorandum to the Surat district collector, calling upon the state government to initiate an in-depth inquiry.

The demand stipulates the formation of an investigation led by experts and a retired high court judge to delve into the circumstances surrounding the Aether Industries fire incident, aiming for an unbiased assessment of the events leading to the catastrophe.

Expressing disdain towards Dr. Jignasa Oza, the regional officer of the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB), Sakariya accused Oza of shielding Aether Industries in the aftermath of the massive fire.

Alleging that the regional officer had absolved the company by terming the incident as an accident and attesting that all safety protocols were adhered to, Sakariya raised concerns about the impartiality of such officers in the Special Investigation Team (SIT). The AAP representative emphasized the need for an inquiry conducted by impartial experts and non-government officials to ensure transparency and fairness in the investigation.

In tandem with pushing for an independent inquiry, Sakariya demanded stringent action against the company’s owners and directors, holding them accountable for negligence in maintaining adequate security measures within the chemical unit.

Noting the use of highly flammable chemical solvents for the production of specialty chemicals, the AAP emphasized the critical need for heightened vigilance and compliance with safety standards in such facilities.

The demand for a thorough investigation into the Aether Industries fire incident underscores the necessity for accountability and preventative measures to avert such tragic incidents in the future. As the call for an independent inquiry gains momentum, the spotlight remains on ensuring justice for the victims and their families while striving for enhanced safety protocols within industrial settings.