TN: Forced to clear police station, man dies in native firecracker blast

Salem: A 45-year-old truck driver, who was forced to clean the Sankagiri police station before the inspection of a senior officer, died when a country-made firecracker exploded while he was setting garbage on fire. Another person was injured. The deceased was identified as A Niyamatullah of Easwaran Kovil Street, Sankagiri.

According to sources, a senior officer was to inspect Sankagiri police station on Thursday. In view of this, the station was cleaned on Wednesday. Sources alleged that police forced some of the suspects detained for questioning to clear the police station premises. Niyamatullah, who was present near the station, was also asked to help in the cleaning work. The garbage collected was set on fire at around 4 pm. Suddenly a mysterious object exploded. The tin roof used to park the vehicles was damaged by the collision. A piece of metal entered Niyamatullah’s stomach and he was seriously injured.

Apart from them, 24-year-old T Bharat, who had come to investigate an accident case and was engaged in cleaning work, sustained injuries on his thigh. Immediately, the police took them to Sankagiri GH. Niyamatullah died without treatment, Bharat was admitted to the hospital.

Superintendent of Police AK Arun Kabilan reached the police station and investigated. Sankagiri DSP S Raja said, “The incident occurred due to the explosion of a home-made firecracker. “Further investigation is underway.”