Kaushambi, 01 Sept (HS): Major action has been taken in the case of the

massive explosion that took place during the illegal manufacturing and storage

of firecrackers in Chilla Shahbaji village of Pipri police station area in

Kaushambi, UP. Seven policemen including the then in-charge of Pipri police

station have been suspended for negligence. 11 people died and five people were

seriously injured in the explosion. According to the press communique issued by

the Inspector General of Police, Prayagraj Range, the explosion took place in

an illegal firecracker manufacturing and storage factory in Chilla Shahbaji

village on August 31 at around 11:30 am. A case has been registered against six

accused in the Pipri police station in this matter.

The factory operator's permit had already been suspended: The investigation

revealed that Naushad Ali, son of Nizamuddin, a resident of Mahmudpur Manuri,

Pipri police station, accused of illegal firecracker manufacturing and storage,

had previously been subject to action. His firecracker manufacturing/storage

permit was suspended on April 4, 2024, after irregularities were found.

Despite this, the accused was charged in October 2024 with operating an

illegal fireworks factory and was sent to jail. Even after the accused was

released from jail, the illegal factory allegedly continued to operate. An

explosion occurred on August 31st, killing 11 people.

These seven policemen have been punished: Action has been taken against the

officers who were in charge of the Chayal outpost of Pipri police station

during the incident and the then station in-charge. The suspended policemen

include Inspector Shivcharan Ram, Sub-Inspector Vikas Singh, Sub-Inspector

Vinay Singh, Sub-Inspector Ajit Kumar Singh, Sub-Inspector Abhishek Gupta,

Sub-Inspector Manish Pal, and Sub-Inspector Amit Dwivedi. The Inspector General

of Police, Prayagraj Range, has suspended all of them for prima facie failure

to take action against the accused and for negligence in their duties.

Meanwhile, after an encounter, police captured the proprietor of an illegal

firecracker factory in Uttar Pradesh's Kaushambi on Tuesday. The explosion at

the facility killed 11 people, including eight children who lived nearby.

Shivank Singh, Circle Officer in Kaushambi, stated that they received

information early this morning that the primary accused, Naushad, was in the

Charwa region attempting to leave.

A police force went to the scene and roped off the area. According to

authorities, Naushad started fire when he noticed the team, leading the

officers to counterattack. He received a gunshot wound to his leg and was

rushed to the hospital for treatment. According to police, his condition is

stable and he is safe.

The factory was issued an explosives license in 2019, which was valid until

2026. However, the permit was revoked in 2024. A thorough investigation is

ongoing to determine how the plant continued to function after its licence was

revoked, as well as to assign blame at all levels. District Magistrate Amit Pal

stated that all those found guilty will face severe consequences. Police have

filed a FIR against six people, including Naushad, his brother Shakeel, their

wives, and children.

According to the DM, the deceased include Priyanjali (5), Praveen Singh (13),

Jahanvi (12), Aditya (12), Aditya (8), Ravi (8), Anju (32), Gyan Singh (40),

Vikram Saroj (35), Ansh (6), and Nana (4). According to police, some of the

dead lived in residences near the building where the explosion happened.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi