Explosives Factory Blast: Owner Arrested and Seven Police Officers Suspended After 11 Die in Uttar Pradesh
Published on 09/01/2026 at 17:27 | Editorial boerse-global.de
A fatal explosion at an illegal firecracker factory in Kaushambi, Uttar Pradesh, has triggered sweeping disciplinary and legal action, with the factory owner arrested and seven police officers suspended for negligence. The blast on August 31, 2026, killed 11 people, eight of them minors, and has raised serious questions about regulatory oversight of hazardous industries across India.
Owner Shot and Arrested After Police Encounter
The primary suspect, factory owner Naushad Ali, was taken into custody in the early hours of September 1 following a confrontation with police on the Terah Mile-Syed Sarawan Road. Police said Ali opened fire on officers, and he was shot in the leg during the retaliatory exchange. An illegal pistol was recovered at the scene.
Two women, identified as Shabnam and Saina, have also been arrested in connection with the incident. Police have announced rewards of ?25,000 each for information leading to the arrest of three other absconding suspects: Shakeel, Kahaksha Bano, and Adil.
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Seven Officers Suspended for Failing to Act
The state government has taken strict action against local law enforcement for failing to oversee the facility. Seven police personnel have been suspended for negligence, including the then Inspector-in-Charge of the Pipri police station, Shivcharan Ram. Several Sub-Inspectors and constables have also been disciplined, with some placed on line duty.
Investigations have revealed a troubling oversight failure. The factory had obtained a license in July 2023 that was technically valid until 2028, but the permit was specifically suspended on April 4, 2024. Despite this suspension, and a case filed against the unit in October 2024, the facility continued to operate at the Manauri site until the explosion.
Victims and Legal Proceedings
The blast killed 11 people, eight of whom were minors. Four of the deceased children belonged to a single family. Five additional individuals were injured and are receiving medical treatment.
A First Information Report (FIR) has been registered against six individuals under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Sections 4, 5, and 9B of the Explosives Act. The charges include committing a rash or negligent act not amounting to culpable homicide.
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Government Announces Compensation for Victims
In response to the tragedy, government officials have announced financial assistance for those affected. Families of the deceased will receive ?200,000 in ex-gratia payments from both the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund and the Chief Minister's relief fund. Those injured in the blast will receive ?50,000 in compensation.
