Defence expert calls on Govt for extensive inquiry into Wardha inferno

The deadly inferno at the central ammunition depot in Wardha, Maharashtra took place on Tuesday morning

Defence and security analyst Praful Bakshi on Tuesday demanded a full-fledged inquiry into the Pulgaon Army depot inferno, which has claimed lives of 15 Defence Security Corps (DSC) jawans and two officers, and questioned if it is 'bureaucratic hang-up or red-tapism' which is holding back the administration to function properly and leaving the arms and ammunitions in open.

Bakshi told ANI, "It is not the first time it has happened. It has happened earlier. And the reason will be established only after a proper code of inquiry. "

"Is it the bureaucratic hang-up or red-tapism which is holding back the administration to function properly," he added.

"Buying ammunition is easy. But its maintenance and replenishments are the parts where you need to put a little more effort and caution. A lot of necessary modifications have not yet been given financial sanctions by the government of India. And that is precisely the reason why the ordinance keeps on suffering," he said.

The deadly inferno at the central ammunition depot in Wardha, Maharashtra took place this morning.

15 DSC jawans and two officers were killed, while 17 jawans and two officers are injured. Some are said to be critical.

The fire at the main shed has been extinguished. Attempts are being made to bring the situation under control.

Meanwhile, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar is called on by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take stock of the site.