The last of six suspects linked to the deadly explosion at an illegal firecracker factory on the Prayagraj-Kaushambi border has been apprehended. The suspect was arrested following an exchange of gunfire with police late Friday night in Kaushambi, Uttar Pradesh. This incident, which occurred on August 31, resulted in the tragic deaths of 14 individuals, including nine children. Police officials confirmed the arrest, bringing a significant development in the ongoing investigation into the explosion.
Acting on confidential information on Friday, joint teams of Manjhanpur Police and the Special Operations Group (SOG) were conducting checks and a search operation on a route leading towards Naubasta village in the Diwar Kotari area, according to police officers. On the basis of a complaint, a case was registered against six people under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Explosives Act. During the operation, police spotted a motorcyclist. When the teams attempted to stop him, the rider allegedly opened fire at the police. Police personnel retaliated in self-defence, during which the accused sustained a gunshot injury to his leg and fell. Further legal proceedings are underway.
Police said they recovered one illegal country-made pistol, one live cartridge and two empty .315-bore cartridges, ₹ 1,000 in cash, a mobile phone and the motorcycle from his possession. A separate case has been registered against the accused under Section 109(1) of the BNS and Section 3/25 of the Arms Act at Manjhanpur police station.
During interrogation, Shakeel allegedly told police that he and his associates were manufacturing and storing illegal firecrackers and explosive material for financial gain at a shed near Mahmudpur Manauri Power House.
Five of them had already been arrested and produced before the court, while Shakeel remained absconding.
Injured Suspect Taken to Hospital After Arrest
A suspect who sustained injuries was apprehended and transported to the District Hospital in Manjhanpur for medical treatment.
