A firecracker blast in Ahmedabad has led to the arrest of three individuals running an illegal firework manufacturing unit. The incident, which occurred on Saturday, resulted in the deaths of nine workers and injuries to six others. Police Commissioner Anupam Singh Gahlaut confirmed the information on Sunday.

The explosion happened in a temporary tin shed situated behind the Rapid Action Force (RAF) camp in the Ramol police station area. Emergency services, including police and fire brigade personnel, arrived promptly after the RAF alerted them. A total of 15 individuals were affected by the incident, with nine fatalities and six injured workers being transported to Ahmedabad Civil Hospital for treatment.

The police have stated that the firecracker unit had previously been ordered to shut down after its licence expired in March. However, it was allegedly reactivated about 20 days prior to the explosion, reportedly to cater to the upcoming Ganesh festival processions.

Arrests and Investigation

The three individuals arrested have been identified as Ramilaben Dodiya, her son Mehul Dodiya, and their business associate, Sadiq Saiyed. Reports indicate that Mehul and Ramilaben were present at the site of the explosion, with Mehul sustaining minor injuries and Ramilaben suffering from ruptured eardrums due to the blast. Following the incident, Mehul allegedly fled but was apprehended later in the Sabarmati area.

Authorities are investigating the broader context of the incident, including the role of the landowner of the property where the operation was taking place, as well as the financiers involved. The police have filed a First Information Report (FIR) against the three individuals under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including culpable homicide not amounting to murder and negligent conduct with combustible materials. This investigation aims to unravel not only the specifics of this operation but also any oversight that may have allowed it to continue after the closure orders.

Of the deceased, most of the workers hailed from Sanjeli taluka in Dahod district, with additional victims identified from Kapadvanj, Umreth, and Ramol. The police have conducted post-mortem examinations and have retrained the bodies to their respective families, accompanied by police escort, indicating the seriousness of the event.

Historical Context and Legal Proceedings

Ramilaben Dodiya has a history with firecracker manufacturing, having previously operated a unit at the same location in 2014, which resulted in one fatality. Following that incident, she was arrested, and the licences for the operation were revoked. In 2020, a new licence was obtained in Mehul Dodiya’s name, but it too expired in March 2026 without renewal.

Despite a system of periodic checks by the authorities, the recovery of the illegal operation raises questions about enforcement and monitoring. Reports suggest that the accused might have taken advantage of the police being occupied with security arrangements for the recent Rath Yatra festival, thereby evading capture until the blast occurred.

As the investigation continues, the focus remains on the operations of the arrested individuals, the circumstances surrounding their illegal restart, and the implications for those who supported their activities. The incident has highlighted the ongoing issues related to illegal firecracker manufacturing and safety compliance in India, which authorities are now seeking to address comprehensively.

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