Blast at suspected illegal explosive unit in Bantwal sparks panic among villagers

Bantwal (Dakshina Kannada): A powerful explosion at an alleged illegal firecracker manufacturing unit in Vittal Mudnoor village created panic among residents on Friday evening, prompting police to launch an investigation and detain a local man for questioning.

The explosion occurred at Nooji near Kambalabettu, which falls under the limits of Vittal Police Station. Dakshina Kannada Superintendent of Police Dr Arun confirmed that a case has been registered based on a complaint filed by the local Panchayat Development Officer.

Officials said the explosion took place in a shed that had reportedly been constructed illegally on government land. The structure was allegedly being used to manufacture and store firecrackers without obtaining mandatory licences or safety clearances.

Preliminary inquiries suggest that the unit was being operated by a local resident identified as Abdul Gafoor. Police suspect that a large quantity of explosive materials used in firecracker production had been stored at the site, which may have triggered the sudden blast.

Soon after the incident, the PDO and revenue inspector visited the spot and conducted an inspection. Authorities found that the explosion had caused extensive damage within the premises. The blast destroyed the shed and affected an area measuring about five cents of land. Trees around the location were charred due to the impact of the explosion.

Fortunately, no loss of life or injuries were reported as the workers present at the unit had temporarily stepped out to have tea after mixing chemicals required for firecracker preparation. Within minutes of their absence, a loud explosion rocked the premises.

Residents said the sound of the blast was heard across the surrounding villages, and thick smoke was seen rising high into the sky, creating fear and confusion among locals.

The latest explosion has also brought back memories of a tragic incident in the same locality in 2017. In that case, two workers were killed after a similar blast occurred at a firecracker unit located near Gafoor’s residence. Although a case was registered at the time, locals claim the matter is yet to reach a final conclusion.

Villagers have further alleged that substances such as ammonium nitrate were found at the site after the blast. Some locals have accused those involved in the unit of disposing of unexploded materials into a nearby river before police reached the spot.

Police have now taken Abdul Gafoor into custody and are interrogating him as part of the investigation. Authorities are also examining whether safety violations and illegal storage of explosives contributed to the incident.