Unlicensed cracker making unit busted

PUDUCHERRY: An unlicensed cracker manufacturing unit at Ottampalayam near Murungapakkam was busted by the police on Saturday.The unit was being run by Shanmugham alias Ice Shanmugham (28) and his associate Baskar (19), a seventh standard drop out.  Mudaliarpet Police said that 50 kg of gun powder and another 15 kg of unidentified chemicals were seized along with  paper, thread and other materials required for making crackers.  The police also seized some  crackers. Baskar was arrested, while Shanmugham ran away. A case under Section 5 of Explosive Substances Act 1908 and 34 IPC was registered by the police.Enquiries revealed that the two had recently got involved in the activity hoping to make a good profit by supplying to the temples  on the occasion of Adi Thiruvizha.  An alarming fact that has come to light is the amount of gun powder obtained illegally by the  duo for making the crackers.  Concerns have been raised that the gunpowder and other chemicals could also be used to manufacture country bombs. Police are investigating the incident.