Jaipur: Police have finally arrested Qayoom Khan, the prime accused in the devastating explosion and fire at an illegal firecracker factory in the Khoh Nagorian area, which claimed eight lives and left several families shattered. Khan, who had been on the run since the incident, was apprehended by police teams following a major search operation on the Agra Road.

The Accused Hid in Delhi and Aligarh

On 9 June, a fierce fire broke out at an illegal firecracker factory in Karim Nagar-B Talai, triggering a massive explosion that killed eight people. Investigations confirmed the factory was being run entirely without authorisation.

Following the blast, the prime accused Qayoom Khan, a resident of Raksya Ki Dhani, fled the scene. Police launched extensive raids across multiple cities, including Jaipur, Delhi, and Ghaziabad. Khan had managed to evade capture by travelling through Delhi before taking refuge in Aligarh.

Caught on Agra Road on a Tip-Off

On Tuesday, as Khan was making his way back from Aligarh towards Jaipur, police received precise intelligence regarding his location from an informant. Acting swiftly, officers intercepted him on the Agra Road as he travelled from Bharatpur towards Jaipur. Khan is currently in police remand and is being questioned to identify other associates and facilitators involved in the illegal operation.

Authorities Launch Sweeping Action in the Wake of the Tragedy

The incident spurred the administration and police into action. A comprehensive door-to-door survey and intensive inspection drive was launched across the area, covering approximately 200 houses and several colonies.

During the operation, a large warehouse in Lakshmi Nagar Colony was found to be illegally storing adulterated paneer, from which around 260 kilogrammes of counterfeit paneer was seized. In addition, more than 30 illegal factories, warehouses, and scrap units operating in the area have since been sealed by the authorities.