Kolkata, 2 April (H.S.) – In a major development in the Patharpratima firecracker explosion case in South 24 Parganas, West Bengal, police have arrested factory owner Chandrakant Banik. He was detained on Tuesday morning, and after a full day of interrogation, he was formally arrested late at night. However, his brother, Tushar Banik, remains absconding, and police are actively searching for him.

On Monday night, an illegal firecracker manufacturing unit was operating at Chandrakant Banik’s house in the Dholahat police station area of Patharpratima. According to police sources, a large number of firecrackers were being manufactured ahead of the Basanti Puja festival. Around 9 PM, the stockpile of firecrackers suddenly caught fire. The flames spread to the gas cylinders stored inside the house, causing multiple explosions. The blasts were so powerful that the entire area was shaken, and the house was completely gutted.

Several children and women, who were asleep inside the house at the time of the explosion, were unable to escape. Most of them were burned alive. Police confirmed that seven people, including children, died on the spot. One severely injured person was taken to the hospital but succumbed to injuries early in the morning.

Following the explosion, Chandrakant and Tushar Banik fled the scene. On Tuesday morning, police managed to capture Chandrakant, who was later arrested after intensive questioning. However, Tushar is still on the run, and police are conducting searches to track him down.

The incident has raised serious concerns about the legality of the firecracker factory. Addressing the media, South Bengal ADG Supratim Sarkar stated that the factory had been operational for the past ten years, but its legal status is under investigation. He mentioned that while it is not feasible for the police to monitor every household, there is also a lack of public awareness regarding such dangers. He further assured that stricter measures would be taken against illegal firecracker manufacturing units in the wake of this tragedy.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh