Six suspects detained after a blast in Kanpur's Mishri Bazar on Wednesday evening; ATS and NIA involved in the investigation. Police recovered a large quantity of illegal firecrackers and continued search operations in the area.
Kanpur: A blast in Mishri Bazar, located in the Moolganj police station area, on Wednesday evening caused panic in the locality. In preliminary investigations, police have linked the explosion to illegal firecrackers. Eight people were injured in this blast, four of whom were referred to Lucknow due to their serious condition. Following the incident, police intensified search operations throughout the area and have so far detained six suspects. High-level teams from security agencies, ATS and NIA, are investigating the matter.
The sound of the blast was so loud that it could be heard from 500 meters to 1.5 kilometers away. Walls of nearby houses cracked, shop windows shattered, and a toy shop was completely destroyed. The spread of smoke caused panic among locals and shopkeepers. People present at the scene immediately rushed the injured to the hospital.
Blast in Mishri Bazar at 7:15 PM on Wednesday Evening
The incident occurred on Wednesday evening around 7:15 PM in Mishri Bazar, located on Meston Road. This market is locally known as 'Bindi Bazar'. The blast originated from two scooters parked near a mosque, one of which was identified with the license plate UP-78 EW 1234.
Local residents stated that people in the vicinity were in panic after the explosion. Shop windows were broken and merchandise was scattered in many shops. A toy shop was completely destroyed, while several people also sustained minor injuries. Local citizens immediately took the injured to the hospital.
Action by Police and Security Agencies
Joint Police Commissioner (Law and Order) Ashutosh Kumar stated that the front part of the scooter was completely damaged. Preliminary investigation suggests the blast was likely caused by illegal firecrackers. The owner of the scooter is a local youth who had come to the market with his father and claimed to be buying firecrackers.
Police conducted search operations throughout the area, recovering a large quantity of illegal firecrackers from several shops. Additionally, CCTV footage from the area has been seized for investigation.
ATS and NIA Take Charge
Following the incident, ATS and NIA teams arrived at the scene. According to police sources, six suspects have been detained so far, and questioning is underway. The investigation aims to ascertain who was responsible for the illegal storage of firecrackers and what the precise cause of the explosion was.
Police Commissioner Raghuveer Lal stated that no one would be spared and all suspects would be interrogated. Security has been increased in the area, and local administration has warned shopkeepers and citizens to remain vigilant.
Security Challenge During Diwali
The crowds and sale of firecrackers in Mishri Bazar during Diwali have heightened security challenges. Local residents are also in panic due to this incident. Police have increased additional patrolling in the area and a campaign is underway to stop the sale of illegal firecrackers in shops.
This incident, in particular, raises questions about how security can be ensured in crowded markets during festivals. The administration has warned that any kind of negligence will not be tolerated.
