A serious incident involving a young child and illegally stored explosives has prompted police action in Chennai. A nine-year-old boy sustained burn injuries while playing with discarded firecrackers, leading to the arrest of a man accused of stocking the hazardous materials.
Details of the Accident
The unfortunate event occurred on December 28. The victim, the son of Krishnaveni Sundaramurthy (30), was playing near the Adyar river bank in the vicinity of a house in MGR Nagar. The boy found and attempted to light small, country-made firecrackers that were lying behind the residence of a man named Selvakumar. This reckless act resulted in the child suffering burns on his legs.
Police Investigation and Arrest
Following the accident, the boy's mother, Krishnaveni, filed a formal complaint at the MGR Nagar Police Station. Acting swiftly on the complaint, police officers investigated the source of the firecrackers. Their probe led them to Selvakumar's house in Nesapakkam, where they placed him under arrest.
During the raid, law enforcement officials made a significant seizure. They confiscated a total of 200 crude firecrackers from the suspect's possession. According to the police, Selvakumar had procured the firecrackers from Villupuram and was storing them at his home illegally, presumably for sale.
Legal Consequences and Safety Warning
The accused, Selvakumar, was subsequently remanded to judicial custody. This case highlights the grave dangers posed by the illegal storage and sale of unregulated explosives, especially in residential areas. The incident serves as a stark reminder for parents to vigilantly monitor their children's play areas and for the public to report any suspicious stockpiling of hazardous materials to the authorities immediately.
Chennai police have reiterated the risks associated with crude, country-made firecrackers, which often lack safety standards and can cause severe injuries. The arrest underscores their commitment to cracking down on the illicit trade of such dangerous items.
