Blast at firecracker unit: Prime accused detained

According to police, the prime accused, identified as Mohammad Reyazuddin Mian, is being interrogated.

The prime accused in the case of blast at a firecracker manufacturing unit located in a village in Bihar’s Saran district on Sunday, which left five people dead, has been detained, police said on Monday.

At the site of the incident in Saran district on Sunday. (Santosh Kumat/HT Photo)

According to police, the prime accused, identified as Mohammad Reyazuddin Mian, is being interrogated.

Police said three brothers, Reyazuddin, Mulazim, and Shabbir Ali, were staying along with their family members in the house illegally built on the bank of Gandak river in Khodaibagh village where the explosion took place.

“Shabbir Ali, Mulazim, his wife, his mother and an eight-year-old child died on the spot. Five others were injured in the explosion. Three of them are critical and have been taken to Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) on Monday,” police said.

“Reyazuddin and Mulazim were allegedly involved in the illegal manufacturing of firecrackers,” said an official of Khaira police station. “At the time of the incident, Reyazuddin was not in the house. His wife and two children were injured in the incident,” he said.

Saran superintendent of police (SP) Santosh Kumar said Reyazuddin’s interrogation is crucial to getting to the bottom of the matter.

Saran district magistrate (DM) Rajesh Meena said there were no guidelines for payment of ex gratia to the kin of the victims. “Once there is any instruction, due process will be followed,” Meena said, adding that he has sought details of illegal firecracker manufacturing units, godowns and shops in the area from the officials concerned.