Patna: Four days after a powerful explosion at an illegal firecracker manufacturing unit in Siwan, the body of 21-year-old Muskan Siddiqui, who had been missing since the blast, was recovered from the rubble on Tuesday, taking the toll to six. Muskan was preparing to get married later this month.The body was recovered during demolition of the badly damaged house in Alampur village under Jamo Bazar police station. The structure had been severely weakened by the explosion, forcing the administration to use heavy machinery to clear the debris.The demolition and search operation began on Monday evening but was stopped after a few hours due to poor light. It resumed on Tuesday morning. During debris removal from the kitchen, rescuers spotted a foot and subsequently recovered a woman’s body.Police called Muskan’s mother and other family members to the spot for identification. Siwan SP Bharat Soni said they identified the body as Muskan’s. It was sent to Sadar Hospital for post-mortem examination.Police suspect Muskan was inside the kitchen when the explosion occurred and that part of the ceiling collapsed on her, trapping her under the debris. The fire severely burnt her body and clothes, making identification difficult.The police also clarified that a woman’s body earlier believed to be Muskan’s was actually that of Ishrat Siddiqui, 20, daughter of late Marham Azad. The other victims identified were Amruddin Ahmad, 70, Khushbu Siddiqui, 10, Arshad Siddiqui, 8, and Rajkumar alias Bhola, 35.The blast occurred on Oct 23 while firecrackers were allegedly being manufactured at the house. Police and the district administration have launched a crackdown on illegal manufacture, storage and sale of firecrackers. Officials are examining the source of the explosive material and whether the unit had the required licence. Police said the firecracker licence for the premises had not been renewed after 2010.
