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Sunderbans firecracker unit blast: 2 brothers booked, probe on into family’s fireworks licence

A firecracker unit explosion and subsequent fire claimed the lives of eight family members in Patharpratima, South 24 Parganas, on Monday night

Questions have been raised about why firecrackers were stored at the residential house. (Express File)

A day after an explosion inside a house in Dholahat, South 24 Parganas, police have filed a case against two brothers. The family had been allegedly involved in the fireworks business for more than a decade, reportedly holding a license issued by the local panchayat — though the police has now cast doubt on this.

A firecracker unit explosion and subsequent fire claimed the lives of eight family members in Patharpratima, South 24 Parganas, on Monday night. The incident happened at a house alleged to have been illegally used for the manufacturing and storage of firecrackers. Police blamed the family, stating that the incident could have been avoided with more caution.

Questions have been raised about why firecrackers were stored at the residential house despite the family allegedly having two dedicated manufacturing units. Police are investigating the exact circumstances surrounding the explosion, with initial suspicions pointing to the stored fireworks as the source of the blast.

The eldest son of the family, Chandrakant Banik, had been arrested three years ago for manufacturing firecrackers at home. He along with his brother Tushar Banik were booked under sections 287-288 (imprisonment for six months), 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), 110 (attempt to commit culpable homicide), the 125 (doing any act endangering human life) of BNS, and the West Bengal Fire Services Act.

ADG (South Bengal) Supratim Sarkar, speaking about the incident, stated, “This kind of accident can occur anytime, but this is an irresponsible act. The price has been paid by eight members of the family, including children and the elderly.”

The house where the explosion occurred had no fire extinguishers. “Firecrackers are not supposed to be stored inside houses,” said Madhusudan Mondal, Kakdwip SDO. “What kind of license they had needs to be investigated. We cannot come to any conclusion so early. The incident took place in residential premises. A report will be submitted after further inquiry,” he said.

ADG Sarkar emphasised the need for increased caution, stating, “There is a lack of public awareness… We will hold a meeting with those involved in the firecracker manufacturing business to prioritize safe storage.”

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Forensic teams arrived at the scene to examine the debris and determine the exact cause of the explosion. “When we reached the spot, everything had turned into ashes, and the police had arrived before us,” said Subrata Bhattacharjee, OC of Joynagar Fire Station.

Sweety Kumari

Sweety Kumari is a seasoned journalist reporting from West Bengal for The Indian Express. With over a decade of experience in the media industry and eight years specifically with The Indian Express, she demonstrates considerable Expertise and Authority across a diverse range of critical beats. Experience & Authority Current Role: Journalist, The Indian Express, reporting from West Bengal. Extensive Tenure: Over 10 years of experience in the media industry, with a long association (8 years) with The Indian Express, contributing to a high level of Trustworthiness. Diverse Coverage: Covers crucial beats including Crime, Defence, Health, and Politics, alongside writing on trending topics. Investigative Focus: Possesses a keen eye for investigative and human-interest stories, demonstrating depth and skill in impactful journalism. Beat Versatility: Has honed her craft across diverse beats, including aviation and reporting on various incidents, ensuring well-rounded and comprehensive reportage. Career Start: Began her journalistic journey as an Entertainment and lifestyle journalist with a news portal in Kolkata, providing a foundational understanding of media landscape and audience engagement. Education Advanced Education: Holds a PG in Mass Communication from Jadavpur University, equipping her with advanced media theory and skills. Undergraduate Education: Holds an Honours degree in Journalism from Jaipuria College. Multilingual Skill: Her fluency in English, Hindi, Bengali, and Maithili enhances her reach and capability to connect with diverse sources and communities in the region, adding a layer of accessibility and authenticity to her reporting. Regional Roots: Originally from Bihar, she was brought up and educated in Kolkata (Kendriya Vidyalaya Salt Lake), giving her a deep, personal understanding of the cultural and political nuances of her reporting region. Sweety Kumari's combination of significant experience, specialization in key beats like Crime and Politics, and strong academic background makes her a trusted and authoritative contributor to The Indian Express. ... Read More

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