Congress Leader Arrested for Running Illegal Firecracker Factory in Khandwa

In a major crackdown, Khandwa police have arrested Congress leader Imran Pariyani for operating an illegal firecracker factory in a densely populated colony. Pariyani had been absconding since the police raid and was apprehended near the Madhya Pradesh–Maharashtra border. He has been produced in court and sent on a two-day police remand.

Raid Exposes Factory in Residential Colony
The illegal operation came to light on the night of January 26, when the Kotwali police team, led by TI Praveen Arya, raided the abandoned Samyak Gold Colony on Padela Hanuman Road. During the operation, authorities seized around 20 tons of illegal firecrackers and explosive materials. Shockingly, the factory was being run inside the colony’s clubhouse, which is normally reserved for community activities.

Key Names and Roles Revealed
Preliminary investigation has identified Imran Pariyani and his associate Jitendra Bhati as the main operators. Bhati, an agarbatti trader by profession, partnered with Pariyani in the illegal business. Naveen Yadav, a resident of Betul, acted as the factory supervisor, managing the production of firecrackers and their distribution.

Transportation Network and Arrests
Police investigation revealed that prepared firecrackers were transported by Arbaz Khan from Khansahwali using a pickup vehicle, which has been seized. Arbaz was taken into custody and disclosed that the factory operated under the directions of Pariyani and Bhati. Based on his statement, the supervisor Naveen Yadav was also arrested and remains in police custody until February 4. He revealed that firecrackers were manufactured in the clubhouse while gunpowder was stored in another house within the colony, posing a major safety risk.

Pariyani Captured After Days on the Run
After the raid, Imran Pariyani had been evading arrest, frequently changing locations near the Madhya Pradesh–Maharashtra border. Acting on a tip-off, the Kotwali police finally arrested him. The police are now interrogating him to uncover the network, supply chain, and other potential locations related to the illegal operation.

Search for Second Key Accused Continues
Authorities are still searching for Jitendra Bhati, the second main accused in the case. Further questioning of Pariyani during remand is expected to provide critical leads for dismantling the illegal operation completely.