Superintendent of Police Manoj Kumar Rai said the factory was operating on the rooftop of an abandoned clubhouse in the outskirts of Khandwa. “Preliminary investigation suggests that Paryani was running the illegal operation. A pickup vehicle loaded with string bombs, gunpowder, sulphur, and other chemicals was found during the raid,” he stated.
The raid was conducted by Kotwali TI Praveen Arya and his team following a tip-off from an informer. A scooter belonging to Paryani was also recovered from the site. The factory reportedly had five to six workers, and raw materials had been brought to the location approximately 15 days ago, according to the driver taken into custody for questioning. Firecracker manufacturing had been ongoing on the rooftop for the last five to six days.
Samyak Gold Colony, where the unit was discovered, was developed about 15 years ago on land belonging to former minister Hiralal Silawat. The colony, promoted as a high-tech residential project, is currently abandoned and without electricity, creating an isolated location exploited for illicit activities. SP Rai confirmed that legal proceedings have been initiated under the Explosives Act at Kotwali Police Station, and efforts to arrest Paryani are ongoing.
The police also announced a reward of ā¹10,000 for the team responsible for seizing the explosives. “The operation prevented a significant public safety hazard. The recovery of such a large quantity of gunpowder could have led to serious accidents if it had reached the market,” SP Rai added.
Authorities are investigating the distribution network linked to the factory and the potential involvement of other individuals. Security agencies are assessing whether the explosives were meant for local festivals or commercial sale outside Khandwa.
This incident underscores the continuing challenge authorities face in controlling illegal explosives production in isolated areas. Police have urged residents to report suspicious activities to prevent further hazards.
