Kanpur: At least six people were injured in a blast near the Markus Masjid in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, on Wednesday evening. The injured have been moved to hospital and the police, bomb detection and disposal squads and forensics teams have rushed to the spot.
According to initial reports, two scooters parked in the area were totally damaged in the explosion. The injured, including a woman, suffered burn injuries.
“The area has been cordoned off and police teams have been deployed in sensitive areas of the city to prevent any rumours from being spread and breach in law and order. The cause of the explosion is being probed,” an official said.
It is not known whether any explosive material was packed inside the scooters or were placed nearby. There is suspicion that this was an attempt to spark communal tension in the area.
“In the Mishri Bazaar area under the Mulganj police station, two scooters were parked today in which a blast occurred. This incident took place around 7.15 pm… A total of 6 people are injured, including one woman. All are undergoing treatment and are out of danger… Our forensic team is present at the scene, and we are investigating what could be the cause of this… We have traced the scooter, and inquiries will also be made with those who were riding it. Whether this is an accident or a conspiracy will only be known later,” Ashutosh Kumar, Joint Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) told ANI.
Locals reported hearing only one loud explosion, followed by dense smoke. There was panic as people in the busy market rushed for cover. Some shops were damaged in the explosion, locals claimed.
The police have warned people against making any rash comments or post material on social media that may lead to tension.