Kadiri rural police in Sri Sathya Sai district have arrested two individuals in connection with the devastating explosion at Kummaravandlapalli that claimed four lives and left 25 others injured on April 15.
Arrest of the Accused
DSP J Sivanarayana Swamy identified the suspects as Gogula Venkanna (48) and his son Gogula Sampath (26). The duo had previously worked alongside blast experts and engineers involved in national and state highway construction projects. During such assignments, they allegedly stole explosive materials and illegally stored them inside their residence.
Sequence of Events Leading to the Blast
On April 15, a gas cylinder leak at Venkanna's house triggered an accidental fire, which then ignited the stockpiled explosives, causing a massive blast. Venkanna and his son managed to escape by immediately running out of the house. However, four innocent neighbors who rushed to assist them were killed in the explosion. Around 25 others, including nearby residents, sustained injuries.
The force of the blast was so immense that six nearby houses were completely destroyed, and several others suffered partial damage. The accused had been absconding since the incident.
Police Action
Kadiri rural police apprehended Venkanna and his son near a railway underbridge close to Yerradoddi village on Friday. They are now in custody and face charges related to theft of explosives, illegal storage, and causing death due to negligence.
