Last Suspect in Kaushambi Illegal Firecracker Factory Blast Arrested After Gunfight

Shakeel, the last of six suspects wanted in connection with the August 31 explosion at an illegal firecracker factory on the Prayagraj-Kaushambi border, was arrested after a late-night exchange of fire with police in Kaushambi, Uttar Pradesh. The blast killed 14 people, including nine children.

Kaushambi Circle Officer Saurabh Samant said a reward of ₹50,000 had been announced for information leading to Shakeel’s arrest. Shakeel, a resident of Mahmoodpur Manauri, is the brother of Naushad, identified as the alleged owner of the illegal firecracker unit.

Police said a case had been registered against six people under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Explosives Act. Five suspects had already been arrested and produced before a court, while Shakeel remained at large.

According to police, joint teams from Manjhanpur Police and the Special Operations Group were conducting checks and searches on a route toward Naubasta village in the Diwar Kotari area after receiving confidential information. Officers spotted a motorcyclist and tried to stop him. Police said the rider opened fire, prompting officers to retaliate in self-defence. Shakeel suffered a gunshot wound to his leg and fell from the motorcycle.

Officers took him to District Hospital in Manjhanpur for treatment. Police said they recovered a country-made pistol, one live cartridge, two empty .315-bore cartridges, ₹1,000 in cash, a mobile phone and the motorcycle. A separate case was registered under Section 109(1) of the BNS and Section 3/25 of the Arms Act. Police said Shakeel told investigators that he and his associates had manufactured and stored illegal firecrackers and explosive material for financial gain in a shed near the Mahmudpur Manauri Power House.