Boudh firecracker blast: Raids continue, huge cache of crackers worth over Rs 1 crore seized

A day after a massive firecracker explosion devastated a godown in Jiakata-Chhatrapur village of Puranakatak area in Boudh, police intensified operations, conducting multiple raids across locations linked to the accused trader, identified as Alok Dutta Tandi. The blast on Sunday had claimed two lives, critically injured eight others, and left one woman missing.

Sources reported that police teams, accompanied by bomb disposal units and fire services personnel, conducted raids at the residence of Alok Dutta Tandi in SBI Colony as well as a house in Rugudipali belonging to his sister.

Additional raids were carried out at two other locations along National Highway-57, identified as firecracker godowns. Large quantities of firecrackers were recovered during the operations.

Sources also added that the fire department neutralised the stock by soaking it in water to prevent further accidents. Officials estimate the seized materials to be worth over Rs 1 crore.

Rescue And Recovery Operations

Meanwhile, at the blast site in Jiakata-Chhatrapur, three excavator machines were deployed to clear debris from the collapsed godown building.

Emergency teams continued the search for missing persons and monitored the safety of nearby residents. Injured villagers are receiving medical treatment, while local authorities arranged food and shelter for those displaced.

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Tandi Remains Absconding

As of the latest reports, Alok Dutta Tandi, the owner of the godown where the blast occurred, remains absconding.

Information from police indicates that he may have maintained additional stockpiles at other properties in the district. The Boudh SDPO is personally supervising bomb disposal and seizure operations at all sites linked to the trader.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, on Sunday, expressed deep grief over the incident and announced Rs 4 lakh ex-gratia compensation for each of the two deceased victims’ families.