Another illegal firecracker warehouse discovered in Deesa, death toll 22
Updated: Apr 6th, 2025
The death toll in the horrific explosion at an illegal firecracker factory in Deesa, Banaskantha has risen to 22. The incident has highlighted a ‘too little, too late’ response from the Gujarat administration, as per reports. After the tragedy, the municipality and the office of the mamlatdar launched an investigation in Deesa, uncovering another illicit firecracker warehouse. A large quantity of firecrackers stored without a licence was found, and the illegally stored stock was seized for further legal action.
With the death toll now at 22, it is clear that the local administration failed to act in time. The mamlatdar and municipality teams conducted investigations at six different locations in Deesa.
During the inspection, a large firecracker warehouse was found near Lati Bazaar in Ekta Complex. According to the Deesa Municipality, this warehouse belongs to Mahesh Gulbani, who was storing a large quantity of firecrackers illegally without holding a valid licence. Authorities seized the illegal stock and initiated further legal proceedings.
Following the explosion that killed 22 workers at the firecracker warehouse in Deesa, accused Khubchand Sindhi and his son were arrested under charges of culpable homicide and other offences, with provisions allowing for over 10 years of imprisonment.
They were presented in court, where the court granted them bail until 11.30 am on April 11.
Investigation extends beyond state borders
Police have expanded the investigation beyond Gujarat to determine the origin of the chemicals used in the explosion, how long the accused had been operating the illegal business, and the role of any collaborators. These efforts aim to answer key questions about the operation’s supply chain and other involved parties.
The massive explosion at the illegally operated firecracker factory, which had been functioning for years in Deesa, claimed the lives of 21 workers on the spot. Three more labourers were critically injured and shifted to hospitals for treatment. One of them, who was battling for life at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, eventually succumbed to injuries, bringing the total death toll to 22. Additionally, human body parts recovered from the debris were later identified through DNA tests, confirming the identities of two more deceased individuals.
Also read:
