Thiruvananthapuram: The owner of a major plastic factory, which was destroyed in a fire recently, is yet to come to terms with the news that disgruntled employees set fire to his factory and denied wage issues as a likely cause for the sabotage.

Responding to the confession made by his employees about the arson, Simson Fernandes, the owner of Family Plastics at Manvila, said he was shocked and pained. “I would have never imagined they would do it. My workers are like a part of my family,” he said.

Simson denied allegations about denying pay hikes and said that he had always ensured the welfare of his employees. “There are assistant managers and around 36 supervisors at the factory. But I always made it a point to give out the salaries myself. I have always ensured that my employees get the salary they deserve and that they do not suffer on account of their jobs,” said a visibly shaken Simson.

The manufacturer said that it was the policy of the company to bear the educational expenses of employees' children till class 10. Accommodation and food were provided free of cost to the employees. There has never been any dispute regarding wages. “The accused too have never come to me making any demands about salary hikes. May be they are trying to protect the real culprits by confessing to the crime,” he said.

Two employees of the unit, Binu of Kazhakoottam, and Bimal of Chitayinkeezhu, were arrested by the investigation team earlier in the week for allegedly setting the factory ablaze. The duo eventually confessed that it was a deliberate act committed using a cigarette lighter. They have reportedly stated that it was done to avenge the owner’s refusal to grant pay hikes.

Binu (39) was recommended for the job by Simson’s relative about six months ago. He had told Simson that his family was struggling to make ends meet and that the job would be of much help. He was appointed almost immediately. Bimal (19) was posted in the store department when his mother retired from the unit two years ago, remembers Simson.

Simson added that what pains him is the plight of the families of over 500 workers who were employed at the unit. “I had believed the early assumptions about a short circuit starting the fire although that was highly unlikely. The entire electrical wiring has been done using GI pipes to ensure safety. Since there is a risk that the roofing sheets could heat up, the pipes were fixed almost one foot below,” he said.

Simson expressed satisfaction about the ongoing police probe.

The fire had broken out at the unit of Family Plastics at Manvila on October 31 and the net loss has been estimated to be around 40 crore.