Stories
Varanasi Firecracker Blast: Accused Raju Khan Injured In Police Encounter
- •A massive explosion at a two-story house in Sarnath Paigamberpur caused it to collapse and damaged about 10 surrounding houses.
- •Homeowner Raju Khan's wife Chandni Begum suffered 90 percent burns and their son Adil sustained a serious head injury during the blast.
- •Fleeing accused Raju Khan was apprehended by the police after an encounter in the Sarnath area where he sustained a bullet injury to his right leg.
- •Authorities suspended the Purana Pul Outpost In-charge and Beat In-charge over questions regarding the long-running illegal firecracker business in a residential area.
- •The ATS and local police are actively investigating the source of the gunpowder and all aspects of the illegal manufacturing operation.
Key Questions Answered
A massive explosion occurred during firecracker making inside a 30-year-old two-story house, causing it to collapse and damaging about 10 surrounding houses. Initial investigations pointed to the bursting of two gas cylinders, though the actual causes and the source of the gunpowder are being investigated.
Chandni Begum, the wife of homeowner Raju Khan, suffered about 90 percent burns and remains in critical condition. Their son Adil sustained a serious head injury, and their daughter Ariba received minor injuries. Chandni and Adil were admitted to the Divisional Hospital in Kabirchaura for treatment.
Following the explosion and subsequent encounter where accused Raju Khan was shot in the right leg after opening fire, police took administrative action. Additional Police Commissioner Shivhari Meena suspended Purana Pul Outpost In-charge Anuj Shukla and Beat In-charge Constable Prakash Chand Yadav for the unauthorized business running in a residential area.
