Deesa blast: Accused factory owners charged with murder, death toll reaches 21
Updated: Apr 2nd, 2025
An explosion on Tuesday at an illegal firecracker factory and warehouse named Deepak Traders on Dhunwa Road in Deesa, Banaskantha killed 21 workers and several other workers sustained severe burns and are currently undergoing treatment.
Following the incident, the factory owner, Khubchand Renumal Mohanani, and his son, Deepak, were arrested.
Banaskantha SP (Superintendent of Police) Akshayraj Makwana, during a press conference, stated that charges of culpable homicide (death intentionally or by an act) have been filed against the father-son duo in connection with the case.
SP revealed that the two main accused were apprehended from Idar within hours of the incident. A Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team conducted a preliminary investigation and prepared a report, confirming the presence of a large stockpile of firecrackers in the warehouse.
Authorities are tracing the supply chain of these materials, with investigations extending beyond Gujarat to Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh, where the accused were allegedly involved in the firecracker trade.
Gujarat government has announced an ex-gratia of ₹4 lakh each and the MP government also announced ₹2 lakh each for the families of the deceased. Both MP and Gujarat each have announced ₹50,000 for each of the injured.
The explosion was triggered by aluminum powder, which is easily available and highly flammable, leading to the devastating accident.
The SP further stated that the accused also own warehouses in Sabarkantha, and their connections are being examined. More information is expected to emerge during their remand.
Experts in chemical analysis will be consulted in the investigation. While the accused have admitted to operating a firecracker business, they have not yet accepted responsibility for illicit production activities at the site.
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