The Pattabiram Police have arrested three persons, including the prime accused and his father, in connection with the death of four men in an explosion caused by country-made crackers stored at a house in Thandurai near Avadi.
On Sunday afternoon, four men died after an accidental blast triggered by illegally stored firecrackers and country-made bombs tore through the house, causing part of the structure to collapse and trapping them inside. Fire and Rescue Services personnel recovered the bodies of the victims — Yasin, 25, Sunil Prakash, 23, of Thiruninravur, Suman, 22, and Sanjay, 22, — who were reportedly visiting the house to purchase crackers.
According to police sources, the house belonged to Arumugam, 50, a flower vendor living there with his daughter and two sons, Vijay and Ajay. Vijay, 26, who had been manufacturing and selling firecrackers for local festivals and funerals, had allegedly turned a portion of the residence into an unlicensed unit. Following the incident, Pattabiram Police registered a case under the relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Explosive Substances Act. Avadi City Police Commissioner K. Shankar has ordered a detailed investigation.
Police said the crackers were stored without a valid licence or safety measures, leading to the unexpected explosion. The arrested persons include Arumugam, S. Dhamodharan, 41, his nephew, who allegedly abetted him, and Vijay, Arumugam’s son and the main accused. The trio was produced before a court and remanded to judicial custody.
Published – October 22, 2025 05:45 am IST
