Two injured in Fatehabad bus blast

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, June 7

Bhagirath (45) and his, wife Rajbala (40), were injured while several others received minor bruises and burns in a low-intensity explosion on a moving private bus near Bhuna in Fatehabad today.

OP Narwal, SP, Fatehabad, said the explosion occurred due to a chemical used for crackers to keep birds and animals away from crops.

OP Singh, IG,Hisar, said the explosion took place around 10.40 am in the private bus (HR 62 8372), plying from Jakhal to Fatehabad on the Bhuna-Fatehabad Road.

Bhagirath and Rajbala who are being treated at the Civil Hospital, Fatehabad, are out of danger. Senior police officers along with a bomb disposal squad rushed to the spot. The IG said counter-bombing protocol for public places had been invoked. Security had been up scaled at bus stands, he added.

“It does not appear to be an act of sabotage. Potassium nitrate is in use in the area for scaring stray animals away from fields. However, we will be able to take the final view only after the investigation,” the IG said, adding that no arrest had been made so far.

Meanwhile, Muhammad Akil, ADGP, Law and Order, said here the explosive device was in a black bag. Preliminary examination revealed a sulphur-like substance, commonly used in crackers.

Security beefed up in Gurgaon

Gurgaon: The police have beefed up security at public places. “Security has been beefed up in all crowded places and a special watch is being kept on the bus stand,” said a police spokesperson.