Varanasi firecracker factory owner arrested after encounter; two policemen suspended

Varanasi, Oct 16 (UNI) Police have arrested the owner of an illegal firecracker factory following an encounter in connection with a massive explosion that destroyed a three-storey house in Paigambarpur area of Varanasi, officials said on Friday. The accused, Raju Khan, was arrested during a checking operation near Sarai Mohan Ghat late Thursday night after he allegedly opened fire at police and attempted to flee, they said. An illegal pistol was recovered from his possession. A massive explosion occurred at the illegal firecracker manufacturing unit in Paigambarpur, under the Sarnath police station area, on Thursday evening, destroying a three-storey house.…