Public Works Department and District in-charge Minister Satish Jarkiholi has assured that those responsible for the refrigerator blast at Chavat Galli in Belagavi, which killed four people and injured two, will face strict action. The incident has raised allegations of negligence against HESCOM, and an investigation will be conducted to determine the facts.
Jarkiholi visited the Chavat Galli site on Tuesday, inspected the house damaged in the explosion and said a report will be submitted to the government. He added that compensation matters will be discussed with the Deputy Commissioner.
He emphasized that police must complete the probe and submit their findings, and that responsibility will be pinned on the parties at fault. While allegations target HESCOM, he noted that the investigation’s conclusions are still pending.
The minister stressed the need to provide proper accommodation for residents living in shed‑like houses, announcing a government resolution to prioritize housing for them.
The state plans to make 50,000 sites available across Karnataka, but many families hesitate to relocate due to hand‑to‑mouth livelihoods; measures will be explored to allocate funds for replacing sheds with permanent homes.
Present at the visit were Mayor Preeti Kamkar, Deputy Mayor Hanamant Kongali, MLA Asit Sait, Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Roshan, Police Commissioner Prakash Nikam, Belagavi City Corporation Commissioner Kartik M and officials from HESCOM.
