New Delhi: A lookout notice has been issued against two persons, including the owner of a shoe-manufacturing unit, in connection with the Oct 30 fire at a factory in northwest Delhi’s Mangolpuri Industrial Area Phase-I that killed four workers and left two injured.The notice is aimed at preventing the absconding accused from fleeing the country. Police sources said lookout notices against Mukesh Bansal and Rohit Goyal were issued a few weeks ago. A senior officer said police would also seek non-bailable warrants against them and might initiate proceedings to declare them proclaimed offenders.In the FIR, Vikas, an injured worker, told police that Bansal, son of Suresh Chand, owned the factory and Goyal was his associate. Ashok Kumar was identified as the factory contractor, while Chand supervised the premises and frequently visited the unit. Chand and Kumar have been arrested. An officer said documents were being scrutinised to establish the ownership of the factory and the respective roles of those involved.According to Vikas’ statement, the factory was housed in a four-storey building, including a basement, and had only one staircase for entry and exit. Sacks of raw materials were stored along the staircase, obstructing movement between floors and making it difficult for workers to escape in an emergency.The complainant alleged that workers had repeatedly raised concerns about the obstruction with the owners and the supervisor, but no corrective action was taken. “They would say, ‘Apne kaam mein lage raho, yeh sab chalta rehta hai’ (Keep doing your work; these things happen all the time)’,” Vikas told police.Recounting the night of the incident, Vikas said he and his cousin Ashok had finished their regular shift around 8pm. After dinner, they returned to the second floor for the night shift, along with four other workers, Lal Babu, Harender, Prem Chand and Harihar.Around 9pm, black smoke began spreading from the lower floors and soon engulfed the building. As the workers struggled to breathe and attempted to escape, they allegedly found the staircase blocked by raw materials. With the windows sealed with glass panes, inadequate ventilation and no alternative escape route, several workers were left trapped inside.Ashok, Harihar, Lal Babu and Prem Chand died in the incident, while Vikas and Harender survived.
