Gujarat Police Seize Illegal Firecrackers Worth Over ₹39 Crore Following Deadly Blast
Significant Crackdown on Illegal Firecracker Operations
File image of the accident site(Photo: IANS)
Ahmedabad, July 21: In the wake of a tragic explosion at an alleged illegal firecracker manufacturing facility in Ahmedabad's Ramol area, local authorities have confiscated a substantial quantity of illegal firecrackers valued at over ₹39.57 crore from two warehouses in the city. This action is part of a broader initiative to enhance safety measures regarding the storage and handling of explosives throughout the district.
According to the Changodar Police, officers were conducting patrols in the Matoda beat area when they received credible information regarding the illegal storage of firecrackers.
Responding to this intelligence, police executed a search operation at a warehouse named 'Abika Trade Link', located on the road linking Modasar crossroads and Amathapura village, with independent witnesses present.
The search revealed two adjacent warehouses, each approximately 70 by 25 meters in size, filled with 65,954 cartons of various firecracker types, collectively valued at ₹39,57,90,000.
While fire extinguishers, sand buckets, and fire-water pipes were positioned near the entrance, the overall fire safety measures were deemed insufficient given the volume of explosives stored.
Notably, the warehouses lacked a water sprinkler system.
Additionally, police discovered cartons of firecrackers stacked outside the designated storage area under a makeshift shed, covered with a thick cloth, which posed a significant risk to human life, nearby residents, and surrounding properties in case of a fire or explosion.
Two individuals have been implicated in this case. The first, Amitkumar Modi, resides in Satyagrah Society opposite Satellite Police Station in Ahmedabad and is identified as the license holder responsible for the business.
The second individual, Kishan Patel, 29, from Dahegamda village in Bavla taluka, was present at the site and is accused of managing the warehouse and overseeing the stock.
A case has been filed under Sections 125 and 288 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, along with Sections 9B(1)(b) and 12 of the Explosives Act, 1884, and relevant provisions of the Explosives Rules, 2008.
The investigation is ongoing to ascertain the legal status of the firm, identify additional responsible parties, verify license validity, examine approved storage capacities and building plans, and assess compliance with essential safety regulations.
Further legal actions may be taken based on the evidence collected during the investigation.
This seizure is part of a larger crackdown on illegal firecracker manufacturing and storage following the explosion at the illegal firecracker unit in Ahmedabad's Ramol area on Saturday, which resulted in the deaths of at least 10 individuals, including three children, with another victim succumbing to burn injuries on Monday.
Three suspects have been arrested in connection with that incident, and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to probe the matter.
Fire and civic authorities have initiated district-wide inspections, sealing industrial units and issuing notices for serious fire safety violations.
Police have also cautioned license holders to ensure timely renewal of licenses, restrict storage to approved locations and quantities, maintain operational fire safety systems as per PESO, fire department, and local authority standards, avoid storing firecrackers in unauthorized sheds or temporary structures, keep accurate stock and transport records, and ensure that only trained personnel handle explosive materials.
Authorities have warned that violations of licensing or safety regulations could lead to criminal charges, suspension or revocation of licenses, and confiscation of the seized stock.