Main accused in Bihar cracker unit blast held

Saran district magistrate Rajesh Meena said there were no guidelines for payment of ex gratia to the kin of the victims.

A day after a massive explosion at a firecracker manufacturing unit located in a village in Bihar’s Saran district claimed five lives, the police on Monday detained the prime accused.

The accused identified as Mohammad Reyazuddin Mian is being interrogated, said the police. (Representational image)

The accused identified as Mohammad Reyazuddin Mian is being interrogated, said the police.

Police said accused Reyazuddin along with his brothers Mulazim, Shabbir Ali and other family members had been residing in the house — where the explosion took place — built illegally on the bank of Gandak river in Khodaibagh village under Kahira police station in Saran district, located 30 km away from Chapra town.

“Shabbir Ali, Mulazim, his wife Shabana, his mother Amina Khatoon and an eight-year-old son Shahzad died on the spot. Out of the five who sustained injuries during the explosion, three 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 a police official of Khaira police station, who did not wish to be named. “At the time of the incident, Reyazuddin was not in the house. His wife and two children were injured in the incident,” he said.

Meanwhile, 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.