Police say scooter explosion in Kanpur was caused by firecrackers

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Kanpur, October 9 (IANS) The explosion in Mishri Bazaar area of Kanpur was caused by firecrackers and some people have been detained in connection with the incident. Police gave this information on Thursday.

The blast, which took place on Wednesday evening under Moolganj police station limits, spread panic in the densely populated market and left six people injured, including a woman whose condition is critical.

The explosion was so strong that both the scooters were completely destroyed and many nearby shops suffered heavy damage.

Speaking to reporters, Joint Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Ashutosh Kumar said, “Initially it was suspected that a bomb was planted in a scooter. We informed the agencies and ATS. We suspected a bomb after seeing the damage to the front part of the vehicle. However, after reviewing the CCTV footage and talking to people at the site, we found that an illegal firecracker market was going on there.”

He said the forensic team conducted tests and the results confirmed that the blast was caused by “low-intensity explosives, like firecrackers”.

“We found out that firecrackers were being sold illegally in the area. Raids are being conducted and shopkeepers involved in illegal sales are being detained,” he said.

Kumar further said, “About half a dozen people who were standing near the vehicle at the time of the blast and ran away when the police arrived have also been detained. They claim to be bystanders, but their actions have made them suspects.”

Of the six injured, one woman has suffered serious burns and her condition remains critical. All the victims have been admitted to nearby hospitals, where their condition is being closely monitored.