Daijiworld Media Network - Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad, Jul 19: Police have arrested the alleged operator of the illegal firecracker manufacturing unit where a powerful explosion killed nine people, including three children, in Ahmedabad's Ramol area, even as investigators uncovered widespread violations of explosives safety norms.
Addressing a press conference on Sunday, Ahmedabad Police Commissioner Anupam Singh Gahlaut said the Crime Branch arrested Mehul Dodia, the alleged main accused, from the Sabarmati area after he reportedly fled the blast site despite sustaining injuries.
According to the Commissioner, Mehul was present inside the factory when the explosion occurred but escaped immediately after the incident.
Police have also arrested Ramila Dodia, Mehul's mother, who allegedly managed the factory, and Sadiq Saiyed, who is suspected to have been his business partner. Ramila reportedly suffered ruptured eardrums in the blast.
Investigators revealed that the factory's licence had expired on March 4 and was never renewed. Despite this, the unit allegedly resumed operations about 20 to 25 days before the explosion to manufacture firecrackers for the upcoming Ganesh festival. Workers from Dahod district had reportedly been brought to Ahmedabad for production.
Preliminary findings suggest the explosion occurred while workers were filling firecrackers inside one of the small structures at the site. Officials believe sparks generated during the manufacturing process may have triggered the blast, although the exact sequence of events will be established after detailed questioning of the accused.
Forensic teams and explosives experts who examined the site found what police described as "complete violations" of safety regulations.
Commissioner Gahlaut said that even if the factory had possessed a valid licence, it would have been permitted to store only 15 kilograms of explosive material. Instead, investigators found numerous sacks containing explosives well beyond the permissible limit, while the unit was allegedly operating without any legal authorisation.
The investigation has also brought to light that a similar explosion occurred at the same location in 2014, killing a 14-year-old boy. At the time, the factory was allegedly being run by Ramila Dodia, whose licence was subsequently cancelled. Police suspect she later secured a fresh licence in the name of her son, Mehul, and resumed operations.
An FIR has been registered at Ramol Police Station against Mehul Dodia, Ramila Dodia and Sadiq Saiyed under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Explosive Substances Act, 1908, and the Explosives Act, 1884.
The complaint alleges that the accused rented land in Vastral and illegally operated the firecracker manufacturing unit without obtaining the mandatory licences and regulatory approvals. Police said additional suspects could be named if further evidence emerges.
Investigators are also examining the possible involvement of the landowner, financiers and customers who placed advance orders for the firecrackers. Officials said some buyers had reportedly paid advances ranging from ?50,000 to ?1 lakh, and police are trying to determine whether they were aware that the factory was operating illegally.
The source of the explosives used in the unit and the exact nature of the alleged partnership between Mehul Dodia and Sadiq Saiyed are also under investigation.
Police further disclosed that another firecracker unit allegedly linked to Saiyed had recently witnessed a blast in Kheda district, although no fatalities were reported in that incident.
The explosion occurred on Saturday afternoon at the factory located on Ramol-Gatrad Road, killing nine people and injuring six others. The force of the blast was so powerful that it shattered windows of nearby industrial units and severely damaged the victims' bodies, complicating identification.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, joint teams from the Ahmedabad Police, Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation and Fire Department launched inspections across the city's outskirts. During the drive, two firecracker manufacturing units in Gyaspur and Narol were sealed for alleged violations.
Commissioner Gahlaut said inspections would continue across Ahmedabad and adjoining rural areas, warning that any unauthorised or illegally operating firecracker units would face strict action. He added that investigators aim to complete the probe quickly, file the charge sheet at the earliest and ensure that those responsible are brought to trial without delay.