Kaushambi blast: Two held, three cops face action over firecracker factory tragedy

Police officials cordon off the site after an explosion in a firecracker factory, in Pipri area, Kaushambi. Pic/PTI

A case has been registered against six people following a firecracker factory blast that claimed 11 lives in the Pipri police station area of Uttar Pradesh's Kaushambi, invoking serious charges including Explosives Act violations, officials said on Tuesday.

Two accused, Shabnam and Saina, were arrested and taken into custody for questioning. The FIR has been registered under sections 105/288 BNS and 4/5/9B of the Explosives Act against the accused.

At least 11 people were killed, and five others were injured after a massive fire triggered a series of explosions at a firecracker factory in Manouri Bazaar under Pipri police station limits of Uttar Pradesh's Kaushambi district.

Action was also taken against the Pipri SHO and beat constables Jitendra Kumar and Krishna Kumar for their "gross negligence in discharging their official duties and for not registering information related to the operation of the firecracker factory" and "not registering information related to the operation" of the facility.

"It is noteworthy that in view of the seriousness of the incident, the Superintendent of Police prima facie found gross negligence and indifference in discharging their official duties and hence, the Station House Officer Pipri Vikas Singh, Outpost House Officer Chail Sub Inspector Amit Dwivedi and former Outpost House Officer Chail Sub Inspector Manish Pal were placed on line duty with immediate effect," Kaushambi Police said in a statement.

Officials said that the investigation is ongoing and legal proceedings are underway.

Meanwhile, earlier, the District Magistrate assured strict action against those found responsible for the tragedy. He said criminal cases would be registered under serious sections of the law, and stringent measures, including property attachment, would be initiated in accordance with government directives.

Five injured persons are undergoing treatment at Swaroop Rani Nehru (SRN) Hospital in Prayagraj.

Following the explosions, administrative and police teams cordoned off the area and intensified rescue efforts. Officials fear that more people may still be trapped beneath the debris of the factory and nearby structures that collapsed in the blast. Search and clearance operations are continuing.

Further details are awaited.

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