Second Suspect in West Bengal Firecracker Factory Explosion Captured
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Synopsis
On April 4, the West Bengal Police arrested Tushar Banik, the absconding second suspect in the Patharpratima firecracker factory blast that killed eight people. This incident highlights the ongoing issue of illegal firecracker operations in the region.
Key Takeaways
- Tushar Banik arrested after being on the run.
- Blast occurred in an illegal firecracker factory.
- Eight fatalities, including three children, recorded.
- Previous criminal history of both Banik brothers.
- Ongoing issue with illegal firecracker operations in West Bengal.
Kolkata, April 4 (NationPress) The second accused, Tushar Banik, who had been on the run in connection with the tragic Patharpratima blast case, has been apprehended by the West Bengal Police, as confirmed by officials on Friday.
The explosion occurred on April 1 at an illegal firecracker factory located in Patharpratima, part of South 24 Parganas district in West Bengal, resulting in the loss of eight lives, including three children.
A day after the incident, authorities took into custody Tushar’s elder brother, Chandrakanta Banik, who is also implicated in this case.
The Banik brothers were co-owners of the residence in Patharpratima where the illegal fireworks operation was conducted.
A police official disclosed that Tushar Banik had been hiding at a relative's home following the incident. Acting on a tip-off, a team from the local Dholahat Police station executed a raid at the relative's house late Thursday night, leading to Tushar's arrest.
He is scheduled to appear in a district court on Friday afternoon, where the public prosecutor intends to request his police custody.
While Chandrakanta Banik had a previous criminal record for illegal firecracker trafficking in 2022, Tushar also possesses a questionable history. After being refused a “green licence” in 2023 due to objections from the local administration, Chandrakanta managed to obtain an ordinary trade licence from a local panchayat, allowing him to keep his illegal business running.
In recent years, West Bengal has seen multiple fatalities due to explosions in illegal firecracker factories or storage sites.
Earlier this year, a blast at a firecracker factory in Kalyani within Nadia district resulted in four deaths and numerous injuries.
In 2023 alone, nine individuals lost their lives in a similar explosion at an illegal firecracker establishment in Egra, situated in East Midnapore district. Similar incidents have been reported in Budge Budge (South 24 Parganas) and Duttapukur (North 24 Parganas) over the past few years, resulting in various casualties.
Despite repeated warnings of stringent measures against illegal firecracker operations, police actions tend to diminish shortly after the incidents.
