Ujjain: A mock car blast during a Muharram procession in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, has gone viral with the police registering an FIR against the organisers.
The car was lifted nearly 40 feet in the air with a crane and then blasted with firecrackers, bringing back memories of the Delhi car blast linked to a terror module associated with the Jaish-e-Mohammed.
After the blast, the car was lowered again and two people with red flags bearing ‘lo fir aa gaye’ message climbed atop it. The car was then lifted again as the two men kept waving the flag.
Such a display during a Muharram procession has sparked outrage with people questioning the motive.
The police registered an FIR against four persons after videos of the incident went viral. The FIR was registered for performing a dangerous stunt in Badnagar town of Ujjain.
The footage, which circulated widely on social media, showed the vehicle hanging above a crowd as youths waved red flags shortly before the explosion. Police confirmed that the car, with its windows closed and engine off, was packed with fireworks which created a powerful blast effect upon detonation, as reported by Zee News.
“The incident of an explosion in a van suspended from a crane during the Muharram procession in Ujjain has become a topic of discussion. The question is, what is the purpose of such displays in public events? Tradition, demonstration, or something else? The administration should provide clear information on this,” a BJP leader posted on X.
Karandeep Singh, ASP, said that the police acted immediately upon discovering the video, registering an FIR under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The charges
include Section 125 (Act endangering life or personal safety of others), Section 285 (Danger or obstruction in a public way) and Section 288 (Negligent conduct with respect to explosive substances).
“Last night in an akhara in Adan Mohalla, Badnagar, a visual of an explosive incident came to light after a vehicle was hung from a crane and firecrackers were burst inside it. We have immediately registered an FIR under Sections 125 (Act endangering life or personal safety of others), 285 (Danger or obstruction in public way or line of navigation) and 288 (Negligent conduct with respect to explosive substance) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS),” Singh said.
Four individuals have been named as accused in the case. They are Shoaib Khan, identified as the event organiser, Zahid Khan and Taleem, allegedly involved in hoisting flags on the vehicle and Gopal Mali, the owner of the crane used for the stunt.
“We have made 4 named accused, which include the organiser Shoaib Khan, and apart from him, the two boys who were hoisting the flag on the vehicle, whose names are Zahid Khan and Taleem, we have also made them accused. Apart from this, the crane owner, Gopal Mali, has also been named as accused. All these accused will be arrested soon,” the officer said.
He added that in the preliminary investigation, it came to light that they used rocket fire crackers, which were used during Diwali.
“Since the car was switched off with its windows closed, smoke and gases generated from the firecrackers led to a blast-like visual. These facts initially came to notice and further, we will see what comes out in the rest of the investigation,” the ASP said.
The administration had not granted permission for any such activity involving explosives or a vehicle being suspended in the air, he said.
“Administration never provides permission for firecrackers or activities that may endanger the public. Permission was granted only for the procession. We have not provided any permission for using explosives or hanging a car from a crane. Akharas are used to attract maximum public views. They have been doing this stunt for a long time, but this time they have done this act, we have taken strict action on the matter,” the officer said.
Efforts are underway to arrest the accused, the officer said.