Sat Jan 03 12:10:52 UTC 2026: Summary:
Two boys, Shakibul Ali (16) and Zaithul Hussain (15) from Assam, died in a fire at a farmhouse in Sirukulam, Virudhunagar district, India, while illegally manufacturing black fuse. Saravanakumar (48), a local DMK functionary and owner of the farmhouse, along with his supervisor Perumal (36), have been arrested. Saravanakumar’s wife, Kavitha, has also been booked. The fire is believed to have been caused by an electrical short circuit.
News Article:
Two Teenagers Die in Illegal Fireworks Factory Fire; DMK Functionary Arrested
SATTUR, INDIA – January 3, 2026 – Tragedy struck Sirukulam in Virudhunagar district, Tamil Nadu, as two teenage boys lost their lives in a fire while illegally manufacturing black fuse at a farmhouse. Shakibul Ali, 16, and Zaithul Hussain, 15, both from Assam, were reportedly engaged in the hazardous work when a fire erupted at the premises on Friday.
Local police have arrested Saravanakumar, 48, a functionary of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party and owner of the farmhouse, along with his supervisor, Perumal, 36. Saravanakumar’s wife, Kavitha, has also been booked in connection with the incident.
According to preliminary investigations, the fire is believed to have been sparked by an electrical short circuit in the room where the boys were working. The bodies were severely charred and have been sent to the Government Hospital for post-mortem examination.
“The investigation is ongoing, and we are working to determine the full extent of those involved in this illegal operation,” stated a senior police officer who inspected the scene. The arrests occurred on Saturday, following the registration of a case and the formation of a police investigation team. The case highlights the ongoing issue of illegal fireworks manufacturing and child labor in the region.
First Piper 