Bengal Police seize 200 kg firecrackers in crackdown after deadly Patharpratima blast, 3 arrested

West Bengal Police conducted a large-scale crackdown on illegal firecracker factories across South 24 Parganas on Wednesday, following an explosion in Patharpratima that killed eight people, including three children. Raids were carried out throughout the district, leading to the seizure of 200 kilograms of illegal firecrackers and raw materials, along with the arrest of three individuals. Officials stated that several unregulated units have been operating in the region, often employing minor children at low wages.

The explosion took place earlier this week in a house reportedly being used for firecracker manufacturing. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed concern over the incident, stating that negligence by firecracker manufacturers led to the blast. She said, “I have received information that the house where the explosion occurred had both cooking gas and raw materials for firecracker production stored in the same room.” Police confirmed that one of the two co-owners of the house, Tushar Banik, remains absconding, while his elder brother, Chandrakant Banik, has been arrested.

Authorities have been monitoring illegal firecracker units in South 24 Parganas, which has a history of unregulated firework production. Officials stated that these units often operate without safety measures, posing risks to workers and nearby residents. Similar incidents have been reported in other districts, with illegal firecracker factories being linked to multiple explosions in recent years.

In February, an explosion at a firecracker factory in Kalyani, Nadia district, resulted in four deaths and several injuries. In 2023, a blast at an illegal firecracker unit in Egra, Purba Medinipur, claimed nine lives. Over the years, Budge Budge in South 24 Parganas and Dattapukur in North 24 Parganas have also witnessed deadly explosions linked to unregulated manufacturing.

Police officials have stated that operations to shut down illegal firecracker units will continue, with further arrests and seizures expected. Investigations are ongoing into the Patharpratima explosion, with efforts underway to locate the absconding accused. Authorities have urged firecracker manufacturers to comply with safety regulations to prevent further incidents.