Blast in Residential Area Exposes Illegal Operation
A dangerous illegal firecracker manufacturing unit operating from a residential house in Ghaziabad was exposed on Thursday evening after a powerful explosion injured its operator. The incident occurred in the congested Masuri village area, sending shockwaves through the locality.
The blast took place around 7:30 PM when a 'sky shot' firecracker exploded during preparation, causing a section of the roof in a two-room house to collapse. The force of the explosion buried the 25-year-old operator, identified as Danish, under the debris.
Family Escapes, Police Launch Rescue and Investigation
While Danish was trapped under the wreckage, his family members, who were present in an adjoining room at the time, had a narrow escape and emerged unhurt. Upon receiving information, a police team rushed to the spot.
ACP Masuri Lipi Nagayach stated that the police team successfully pulled Danish out from under the debris. He was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. His current condition is reported to be stable.
During the subsequent investigation, police discovered the illicit nature of the setup. Three cartons of finished firecrackers and a stash of raw materials were found stacked inside the room, confirming the illegal manufacturing activity.
FIR Registered, Illegal Setup Details Emerge
An First Information Report (FIR) has been registered against three individuals in connection with operating the unit without the mandatory permits. Those named include Danish, his father Shamshad, who allegedly helped run the factory, and their landlord Ashfaq, who was reportedly a partner in the illegal venture.
The case has been filed under Section 288 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for negligent conduct with respect to pulling down or repairing buildings, and relevant sections of the stringent Explosives Act.
Preliminary police inquiries revealed that Danish had lost his job as a driver approximately six months ago. Subsequently, in a bid to earn a livelihood, he ventured into the highly risky business of manufacturing firecrackers from a section of his own home, endangering his entire family and neighborhood.
The unit had been operating clandestinely in the densely populated area for a significant period, managing to evade detection until the blast brought it to light. Authorities have seized the recovered explosives and materials, and a further investigation is underway to trace the supply chain and possible distribution network of the illegally manufactured crackers.
