The arrested persons — Kamal Sahu and Mohammad Atiq — were part of a racket involved in making and selling illegal firecrackers.

The police is searching for their three accomplices, identified as Ayaz, Raju and Illiyas.

The explosion took place near Sahu’s shop Gupta General Store. While inspecting the shop late on Tuesday night, the police found large quantity of illegal firecrackers.

The police presented Atiq and Sahu before the media where Sahu said: “Each packet contained 25 pieces of firecrackers, which had exploded and lead to commotion and panic in the area.” Sahu said the firecrackers were manufactured at Sarsaul by Ayaz, Raju and Illiyas. “Atiq used to sell these firecrackers to small shopowners,” said Sahu, adding that he had been selling these crackers for the last 10 years.

Narrating the events leading to the blast, Atiq said: “Ayaz came to my Colonelganj residence in the evening with the crackers in a bag and we left for Sahu’s shop on a cycle.” Atiq said he asked Sahu to get a glass of water, while Ayaz stood near the cycle.

“Suddenly, the cycle fell and the firecrackers kept in the bag exploded from the impact,” Atiq said.

He said Ayaz too received injuries in the blast, but ran away. “When I saw Ayaz escaping, I too ran away,” he added.

Superintendent of Police (Kanpur West) Dayanand Mishra said a case has been registered against Atiq and Sahu on charges of disturbing the law and order situation, creating panic among people, sale and supply of illegal firecrackers and possession of explosives.