Main Accused Held in Ahmedabad Firecracker Factory Blast That Killed Nine

The alleged operator of the illegal firecracker factory where a powerful explosion killed nine people in Ahmedabad's Ramol area has been arrested, as investigators uncovered fresh evidence of serious safety violations and links to a fatal blast at the same site more than a decade ago.

Ahmedabad Police Commissioner Anupam Singh Gehlot said on Sunday that the Crime Branch arrested the main accused, Mehul Dodia, from the Sabarmati area after he allegedly fled the scene despite suffering injuries in the blast.

According to police, Mehul was present inside the factory when the explosion occurred.

"He was also injured and fled the spot after the incident," Gehlot told reporters.

The Crime Branch has also arrested Ramila Dodia, Mehul's mother, who allegedly managed the factory, and Sadiq Saiyed, identified as Mehul's alleged business partner. Police said Ramila suffered ruptured eardrums in the explosion.

Factory had no permission to operate

Investigators said the factory had previously been shut after its licence expired on March 4 and was never renewed. Despite this, operations reportedly resumed around 20 to 25 days before the explosion to manufacture firecrackers for upcoming Ganesh festival orders.

Labourers from Dahod district had reportedly been brought to Ahmedabad to work at the unit.

Preliminary findings suggest the explosion occurred during the manufacturing and filling process.

"There were two or three small structures at the site. While they were manufacturing the firecrackers and carrying out the filling process, sparks appear to have originated there," Gahlaut said, adding that investigators expect to establish the exact sequence of events after questioning Mehul.

Massive quantity of explosives recovered

Forensic experts and explosives specialists who examined the site found what the Police Commissioner described as "total violations" of safety norms.

According to the investigation:

• Even if the factory had possessed a valid licence, it would only have been permitted to store 15 kg of explosives.
• Investigators found numerous sacks containing explosives far exceeding the legal limit.
• The unit allegedly had no permission whatsoever to manufacture or store firecrackers.

Police are also investigating where the explosives were sourced from and the exact nature of the alleged partnership between Mehul Dodia and Sadiq Saiyed.

Site linked to deadly 2014 blast

One of the most significant findings in the investigation is that the same premises witnessed a fatal explosion in 2014, in which a 14-year-old boy lost his life.

Police said the factory was then operated by Ramila Dodia, whose licence was subsequently cancelled.

Investigators now allege that Ramila later obtained a fresh licence in her son Mehul's name and resumed operations at the site.

FIR registered under multiple laws

An FIR has been registered at Ramol Police Station against Mehul Dodia, Ramila Dodia and Sadiq Saiyed under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Explosive Substances Act, 1908, and the Explosives Act, 1884.

The complaint alleges the accused rented land in Vastral and illegally operated the factory without mandatory licences or statutory approvals.

Police said additional accused could be named if further evidence emerges during the investigation.

Wider investigation underway

Investigators are also examining the role of:

• The landowner.
• Individuals who financed the operation.
• Customers who placed firecracker orders.

Police said some customers had paid advances ranging from ₹50,000 to ₹1 lakh, and investigators are trying to establish whether they were aware the factory was operating illegally.

The investigation is also looking into a similar firecracker manufacturing unit allegedly linked to Sadiq Saiyed, where another explosion recently occurred in Kheda district. No fatalities were reported in that incident.

Nine killed, including children

The explosion occurred on Saturday afternoon at the alleged illegal firecracker manufacturing unit on Ramol-Gatrad Road.

The blast claimed nine lives, including three children, while six others sustained injuries.

The force of the explosion shattered windows of nearby industrial units and left some victims so severely injured that their identification became difficult.

City-wide inspections launched

Following the tragedy, joint teams from the Ahmedabad Police, Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) and the Fire Department launched inspections of firecracker units across the city's outskirts.

Two firecracker manufacturing units in Gyaspur and Narol were sealed on Saturday night.

Gahlaut said inspections would continue across Ahmedabad and adjoining rural areas, with strict action planned against any unit found operating without legal permission.

"We will compile all the evidence, file the charge sheet at the earliest, and ensure that the accused do not escape this time and that the case is taken up for trial as soon as possible," the Police Commissioner said.d work to ensure the accused face trial without delay.