• Source:JND
HighLights
  1. A Van was exploded 40 feet high during Ujjain Muharram procession.
  2. ATS and FSL investigating the mid-air blast in Badnagar.
  3. Police have arrested four accused.

Ujjain Muharram Procession: During a Muharram procession in Ujjain’s Badnagar area, a major controversy erupted after a video surfaced online showing a Tata Magic van being lifted nearly 40 feet into the air by a crane and then blown up during the procession. The vehicle prominently displayed the phrase “Le phir aa gaye” (“Look, we have returned”).

The Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team, along with the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), is investigating the incident. Police have arrested four accused in the case. The crane owner has been sent to jail, while three others have been remanded to police custody for three days by the court.

The incident took place on June 23 during the Muharram procession in Adan Mohalla, Badnagar, at Jai Stambh Chowk, where the van was suspended approximately 40 feet above the ground using a crane.

Before the explosion, two masked men were seen standing on the roof of the vehicle, waving red flags. The crane then lifted the van high above the crowd, after which a controlled explosion destroyed it mid-air.

Following the incident, police registered a case under sections 110, 125(A), 287, 288, 223(B), 285, and 3(5) of the IPC for endangering public peace and safety during the procession.

Who all have been arrested?

Police have arrested Shoaib, son of Gabbu; Zahid, son of Bhura Khan, and Tapsil, alias Tasleem, son of Nehru Khan, all residents of Adan Mohalla, along with crane owner Gopal Mali.

All four accused were produced in court on Friday. The court ordered that Gopal Mali be sent to jail, while Shoaib, Zahid, and Tapsil alias Tasleem were remanded to three days of police custody.

Police are also examining the widely circulated video and identifying additional individuals involved. TI Kamlesh Singar stated that around 20 people have been identified so far, and further arrests are expected. Action under the National Security Act (NSA) is also being considered against the accused.

ALSO READ: Ujjain Muharram Procession Sparks Controversy After Van Blown Up Mid-Air From 40 Feet; 3 Arrested | WATCH

How the van exploded

According to FSL findings, the accused had suspended the vehicle in the air using a crane in a crowded area and triggered an explosion by placing firecrackers inside it. The resulting blast caused shattered glass and debris to fall nearby, posing a serious risk to public safety. The FSL team is currently investigating the type of firecrackers or explosive materials used and has collected samples for analysis.

ALSO READ: Bihar: How Hindu Families In Fatehpur Block Are Custodians Of Muharram Traditions

Possible motive

SHO Kamlesh Singar noted that there is an ongoing rivalry between Adan Mohalla and Sajilalpura in Barnagar during Muharram processions, where groups reportedly attempt to outdo each other with stunts and displays. Preliminary findings suggest the explosion may be linked to this competitive rivalry.

A detailed investigation is still underway, and so far, evidence points to the use of firecrackers in the incident.


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