The owner of a licensed arms shop in Ratlam's Chandni Chowk, who suffered severe burn injuries in a massive explosion at his establishment on Monday, succumbed to his injuries late Tuesday night at a hospital in Indore. The victim, identified as Yusuf Ali, aged 58, experienced a fatal heart attack while undergoing medical treatment for his burns.
Injured Individuals Undergoing Treatment
Three other persons were also injured in the devastating blast and are currently receiving medical care at Choithram Hospital in Indore. Among them is welder Sheikh Rafiquddin, 35, who sustained deep burns. His assistant, Nazim, aged 32, is awaiting surgery for facial burns. Additionally, a customer named Sandeep Patidar, 35, who had visited the shop to purchase cartridges, was injured but is reported to be in stable condition.
Police Investigation and Seizure
Following the explosion, police and forensic science laboratory teams conducted a comprehensive search of the premises. Authorities confiscated over 50 firearms and a substantial cache of ammunition from the shop. While many of the recovered cartridges were empty shells, investigators are actively exploring the possibility that the shop was being used for illegal cartridge refilling activities.
Cause of the Blast
The blast occurred around 4 PM on Monday during welding work on the shop's shutter. The welding was being carried out to shift the shutter backward in compliance with a road-widening notice issued by the Municipal Corporation. The exact cause of the explosion is still under investigation, with authorities considering various factors, including the presence of flammable materials and potential safety violations.
The incident has raised concerns about safety protocols in arms shops and the enforcement of regulations. Local residents have expressed shock and called for stricter oversight to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The police are continuing their probe to determine the full circumstances surrounding the explosion and any potential criminal negligence.
