3 min readBhopalJun 25, 2026 10:30 PM IST
First published on: Jun 25, 2026 at 10:02 PM IST
A video showing firecrackers exploding from a van suspended from a crane during a Muharram procession in Madhya Pradesh’s Ujjain district has led to the registration of an FIR and the arrest of three persons, police said on Thursday.
The incident took place in Badnagar town, where a vehicle was lifted several feet above the ground using a crane. Firecrackers placed inside the vehicle were then ignited, causing an explosion while the car remained suspended. Videos of the event circulated widely on social media.
Additional Superintendent of Police Karan Deep Singh said police initiated action after the videos came to their notice.
“The video of the van being held by a crane and explosives in the form of firecrackers being used came to our cognisance. We took the main accused, Shoaib Khan, who is the main organiser, into custody. Two other men seen in the video were also arrested. An FIR has been registered in the case, and we are taking action against other persons as the investigation proceeds,” Singh said.
Police said an FIR has been registered against four persons under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita relating to acts endangering life or personal safety, obstruction in a public way and negligent handling of explosive substances.
According to police, the vehicle’s engine was switched off before firecrackers were placed inside it. Investigators said preliminary findings indicate that fireworks were ignited while the vehicle was suspended, leading to the explosion.
The accused named in the FIR include Shoaib Khan, Zahid Khan, Taleem and crane owner Gopal Mali. Police said further action would depend on the course of the investigation.
Police have booked the accused under Section 125 of the BNS, which deals with acts that endanger the life or personal safety of others. They have also invoked section 285, relating to creating danger or obstruction in a public way, and section 288, which pertains to negligent conduct involving explosive substances.
Officials also said permission had been granted for the Muharram procession, but not for the use of a crane or the firecracker display shown in the videos.
The viral video showed a van hanging from a crane with firecrackers exploding during a Muharram procession. 
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