The Delhi Police has arrested the owner of the firecracker storage unit in Bawana where 17 people were killed in a blaze on Saturday. Sensing the gravity of the case, on the order of the Delhi Police Commissioner, the case has been transferred to the Crime Branch as it requires intensive investigation and proper detailed follow up.
Manoj Jain, who ran the factory, has been arrested. A probe revealed it was a factory of “cold firecrackers” used in stage shows and Holi celebrations, said Rajneesh Gupta, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Rohini).
In light of the accident, a team from the Forensic Science laboratory (FSl) visited the factory on Sunday and did an extensive search on premises for about four hours, along with the assistance of the local police. The samples have been picked up from the site for detailed examination.
On the other hand, Jain was produced before the duty magistrate on Sunday who sent him to JC. Police will request for production and police custody on Monday before the regular magistrate.
The DCP said, “Firecracker packages found at the site suggest the same. Jain had rented the factory from January 1.”
Seven of those killed have been identified as Baby Devi (40), Afshana (35), Sonam (23), Reeta (18), Madeena (55), Rajjo (65) and Sukhda (42), said police on Sunday. The fire had started in the storage unit on the ground floor of the two-storey building and ripped through the structure. Of the 17 killed, ten were women. A man and woman were injured.
Jain was apprehended and questioned on Saturday night. The other partner of Jain has been identified as lalit Goel. One of the injured labourers told police that the firecrackers used to be brought from outside and were only packed at the unit.
The post-mortem examination of Ravi Kant and Ranjan could not be carried out on Sunday since their families had not arrived here. Three bodies, including that of a woman, are yet to be identified. Two persons, including a woman, were injured as they jumped off from the second floor of the building to escape the blaze. An FIR was registered under Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections relating to culpable homicide not amounting to murder (section 304), and negligent conduct with respect to fire or combustible material. The maximum punishment under section 304 is 10 years.