Muktsar police have arrested three people in connection with the deadly blast at an illegal firecracker factory in Fatuhiwala village, located in the Lambi Assembly constituency. The explosion, which took place early Friday, claimed five lives and injured nearly 30 others, including women and children.
The arrested include Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) activist Tarsem Singh, his son Navraj Singh—both residents of nearby Singhewala village—and labour contractor Raj Kumar. Tarsem’s wife, Sukhchain Kaur, who was also named in the FIR, is absconding.
The blast occurred around 1 am during a dust storm, flattening the two-storey factory and trapping close to 40 migrant labourers under the debris. The explosion was reportedly heard up to 10 km away.
Police said the factory was being operated without a valid license. Though the owner had applied for permission under the Explosives Act on April 1, no approval had been granted. Survivors alleged that the owner briefly showed up after the explosion, promised to give Rs 500 to each worker to return home, and fled.
Muktsar SSP Akhil Chaudhary confirmed the arrests and said further investigations are ongoing. A case has been registered under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Indian Explosives Act, and the Factories Act.
Rescue efforts by police and Dera Sacha Sauda volunteers continued through Friday morning. The injured are being treated at Civil Hospital in Badal village and AIIMS, Bathinda.
Deputy Commissioner Abhijeet Kaplish announced Rs 2 lakh ex-gratia for the families of the deceased and assured free treatment for the injured.
Agriculture Minister and Lambi MLA Gurmeet Singh Khudian visited the injured and assured strict action against those responsible. SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal also visited the victims, demanding a thorough probe and accusing AAP leaders of shielding the factory’s owners.
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