Varanasi (UP), Oct 16 The owner of a house where a blast occurred at an alleged illegal firecracker manufacturing unit was arrested after an encounter with police here, officials said on Friday.
The accused, Raju Khan, who was on the run since the blast, sustained a bullet injury in his leg during the exchange of fire with police and was admitted to the hospital, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Varuna Zone) Rajesh Pandey said.
The house in the Paigambarpur area here collapsed following the blast on Thursday evening. Khan’s wife suffered severe burns while their son and daughter sustained minor injuries. All three were rescued and taken to the hospital.
According to police, preliminary investigations indicated that firecrackers were being manufactured and stored illegally in the house.
DCP Pandey said a police team was patrolling near Sarai Mohana Ghat late Thursday night when it spotted a person in the bushes and signalled him to stop.
The suspect opened fire at the police team, which retaliated, he said.
Police are questioning Khan, who had fled after the blast with his mother, the officials said.
Two police personnel were suspended on Thursday for alleged negligence in connection with the blast. A departmental inquiry into their role is underway.
(PTI News)
