Illegal firecracker factory busted in Khandwa:2 tonnes of gunpowder seized: police say Youth Congress leader named main accused; driver detained, questioning underway

Khandwa police have exposed an illegal firecracker manufacturing unit, claiming that it was being operated by a Congress leader. Around two tonnes of gunpowder were recovered from the site during the operation. Police seized nearly two tonnes of gunpowder, sulphur and ropes from the factory, which was operating in Samyak Gold Colony on the outskirts of the city. Superintendent of Police Manoj Kumar Rai said that preliminary investigation revealed the illegal factory was running on the roof of the clubhouse in Samyak Gold Colony. He stated that the main accused, Professor Imran Paryani, had earlier served as a state spokesperson of the Youth Congress. Colony built on former minister’s land, now abandoned SP Rai said the colony was developed around 15 years ago on land belonging to former minister Hiralal Silawat. At the time, the project was promoted as a high-tech residential colony, but it is currently in a dilapidated condition. There is no electricity supply in the area. Taking advantage of the isolation, explosives were allegedly stored illegally and firecrackers were being manufactured at the site. See 2 photos- Explosives being loaded into pickup vehicle SP Rai said that, acting on information from an informer, Kotwali TI Praveen Arya and his team conducted a raid. Near the clubhouse in the abandoned colony, police found a pickup vehicle loaded with a large quantity of string bombs, gunpowder, sulphur and other chemicals. Scooter linked to accused found at spot Police said the land of the colony is registered in the name of Yashwant Silawat, son of former minister Hiralal Silawat. A scooter belonging to Imran Paryani was also recovered from the spot. A case has been registered at Kotwali Police Station under the Explosives Act, and legal action is underway. Police teams are making efforts to arrest the main accused. SP Rai announced a reward of ₹10,000 for the police team that carried out the raid and seized the illegal explosives. Raw material brought 15 days ago, workers involved Kotwali TI Praveen Arya said that bags and clothing found at the factory suggest that five to six labourers were working there. During questioning, the driver revealed that raw material had been brought to the site about 15 days ago. He added that firecracker manufacturing had been underway on the clubhouse rooftop for the past five to six days.