A civic police volunteer has been arrested after allegedly shoving a lit firecracker into a man’s mouth during a Durga idol immersion procession in Birbhum’s Chandpara area of Margram on Thursday night.

The victim, Hemant Bagdi (24), suffered severe facial burns and was admitted to Rampurhat Medical College and Hospital. Police identified the accused as Sajal Maji, who was taken into custody, produced in court, and remanded to seven days’ police custody.

According to police, a large crowd had gathered for the immersion when, without provocation, Maji allegedly lit a “chocolate bomb” firecracker and placed it in Bagdi’s mouth. It exploded instantly, leaving the victim with grave injuries inside and outside his face.

Bagdi’s family, including his wife, claimed there had been no quarrel before the attack. The incident threw the procession into chaos, with residents rushing Bagdi to hospital.

Public outrage soon followed. Organisers of nine local pujas reportedly blocked the road with their idols, demanding swift action. The blockade lasted about half an hour until Margram police assured the crowd that the accused had been arrested and justice would be delivered.

Rampurhat police have begun a detailed investigation. “We are currently probing the motive behind the attack, including whether any prior personal enmity existed,” a police official said.

Maji was reportedly responsible for helping manage the crowd during the procession.