Too Little, Too Late? Ahmedabad Seals 2 ‘Illegal’ Firecracker Factories After Vastral Blast Kills 9

A day after nine people were killed and six others seriously injured in a blast at an alleged illegal firecracker factory near Vastral, Ahmedabad authorities sealed two firecracker units in Narol and Gyaspur as part of a citywide crackdown.

The action has raised questions over why enforcement came only after Saturday’s blast at the Mehmudpura unit on Ramol-Gatrad Road, where authorities are investigating how operations allegedly continued despite a fatal explosion in 2014, reported cancellation of its licence, and police objections to its renewal.

In a joint operation carried out overnight and on Sunday morning, the Ahmedabad Police, Amdavad Municipal Corporation’s Estate Department, and Fire and Emergency Services raided the two premises, seized large quantities of firecrackers, and destroyed the stock by soaking it in water. Officials said inspections of similar units are continuing across the city.

Ramol Factory’s Licence Under Investigation

Investigators have found that the same factory witnessed a major explosion in 2014 in which a 14-year-old boy was killed. The unit is reported to have been operating for more than two decades.

According to preliminary findings, the factory was originally run by Ramilaben Dodiya before operations later continued under the name of Mehul Dodiya.

Investigators are examining whether the unit continued to operate after its original licence was cancelled following previous accidents and alleged irregularities. Reports suggest a fresh licence was later obtained in Mehul Dodiya’s name.

Investigators are also examining reports that police had submitted an adverse report on the licence renewal application, raising questions over how the factory remained operational.

Three people, including Mehul Dodiya, have been detained. Ramilaben Dodiya, who allegedly managed the factory for several years, is undergoing treatment at LG Hospital and is expected to be questioned once doctors declare her fit.

Two Units Sealed, More Inspections Underway

The two illegal units identified in Narol and Gyaspur were operating from open plots, officials said. Their firecracker stock was seized and safely destroyed to eliminate the risk of further explosions.

Authorities said inspections are continuing across Ahmedabad to identify similar illegal units.

On Saturday, AMC Commissioner Banchhanidhi Pani had said permissions granted to the Ramol factory were being verified and that inspections of similar units would be carried out across the city.

Injured Continue Treatment 

Six people injured in the blast remain admitted at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital and LG Hospital, where doctors are monitoring their condition.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced an ex gratia of ₹2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund for the next of kin of each deceased and ₹50,000 for those injured.

The Gujarat government has separately announced ₹4 lakh for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for those injured.

List of Those Killed

• Rinku Charel, 16
• Raveena Charel, 14
• Shivani Charel, 14
• Ramilaben Charel, 37
• Viral alias Nirav Charel, 6
• Savitaben Damor, 38
• Ushaben Damor, 45
• Mohammad Ashrar Syed, 20
• Azharuddin Ruknuddin Qazi, 25

List of Those Injured

• Govind Damor, 48
• Suresh Damor, 38 
• Bharat Charan, 26
• Ajay Damor, 26
• Payalben Damor, 25
• Ramilaben Dodia