The main suspect, Mehul Dodia, allegedly involved in the illegal firecracker factory explosion in Ahmedabad’s Ramol area that claimed nine lives, has been apprehended by the police. The factory, lacking necessary licenses and safety approvals, saw the tragic incident prompting a criminal case against the accused. Ahmedabad Police Commissioner Anupam Singh Gahlaut disclosed that Mehul, who fled the scene injured post-blast, was captured by the Crime Branch.
Authorities also detained Mehul’s mother, Ramila Dodia, and his alleged partner, Sadiq Saiyed, for their roles in managing the factory. The factory, which had resumed operations without a valid license, had exceeded the permissible explosive storage limit. Notably, a similar blast had occurred at the same site in 2014, leading to the cancellation of Ramila’s license, which was allegedly reinstated under Mehul’s name.
The investigation is delving into the involvement of various individuals, including the landowner, financiers, and customers who placed firecracker orders. The police are scrutinizing the source of explosives and the partnership dynamics between Mehul and Sadiq Saiyed. Following the tragic incident, inspections have been intensified across Ahmedabad’s outskirts, with illegal units facing closure and potential legal actions.
