In a terrifying incident that shook the Mulgunj area of Kanpur, two scooters parked near a mosque exploded with immense force on Meston Road, sending debris flying in all directions and leaving eight people injured, four of them critically.
The explosion took place in the bustling Bisati Bazaar, close to Misri Bazaar and Bisatkhana, around 7:00 PM, when shops were crowded with evening shoppers.
Witnesses described the blast as deafening, causing immediate panic.
The outer walls of the nearby mosque were damaged, false ceilings of multiple shops collapsed, and the marketplace descended into chaos as people scrambled for safety. Passersby and shopkeepers rushed to help the victims, while emergency services cordoned off the area.
Victims and Casualties
Among those injured was Suhana, a teenage rag-picker from Baknagar, and 58-year-old Ashwini Kumar, who was in the area to buy supplies for his shop in Deputy Ka Paḍāv. Other victims include:
- Raisuddin (35), a jewellery artisan from West Bengal, residing in Bisatkhana
- Abdul (24), a sports goods shop employee
- Md. Mursalin (25), owner of a bag shop
- Zubin (15), working at an eyewear and belt shop, resident of Mirpur
- The scooters’ owners, a father and son duo, also sustained injuries and are under medical supervision.
Four of the injured were transported to Lucknow for advanced care via 108 ambulance services, while two continue treatment at Ursula Hospital, and two have been discharged after receiving initial medical attention.
Investigation and Forensic Response
Authorities immediately dispatched forensic teams, the bomb squad, and the ATS (Anti-Terrorism Squad) to the site. The area was sealed off to facilitate evidence collection, and police are examining the scene for traces of explosive material.
Director General of Police, Rajiv Krishna, instructed the Kanpur Commissioner of Police, Raghubir Lal, and other senior officials to expedite lab analysis of collected samples.
Teams from Lucknow ATS and the Special Task Force (STF) have been deployed to assist in the probe.
Preliminary findings suggest that explosives were planted inside the scooters. While multiple scenarios are under review, early investigations indicate that the blast may have been accidental, potentially caused by firecrackers or other explosive material stored inside the scooters for Diwali.
Police are also considering whether mishandling, heat, or pressure could have triggered the detonation.
Authorities are not currently treating this as a terror attack, although statements from the scooter owners, injured parties, and witnesses are being recorded.
Investigators continue to explore whether there is any connection to broader criminal or terrorist networks, though no evidence of such links has emerged yet.
Context and Recent Concerns
The Kanpur blast comes in the wake of heightened concerns over public safety during festival seasons.
Earlier this year, a similar explosion in Farrukhabad at a coaching centre had caused injuries and fatalities, sparking fears about the storage and handling of fireworks and other combustible materials.
City officials have urged citizens to exercise caution while purchasing and storing firecrackers and to report any suspicious activity immediately.
Law enforcement has announced increased patrolling and monitoring of crowded marketplaces to prevent accidental or deliberate explosions during upcoming festive events.
Ongoing Actions
Police continue to review CCTV footage from the area and are coordinating with local shopkeepers to identify potential witnesses.
The investigation team is expected to provide updates on the precise cause of the explosion in the coming days.
Officials have emphasized that while preliminary evidence points to an accidental ignition, authorities remain vigilant for any signs of deliberate criminal intent.
The city remains on high alert as security forces step up measures to ensure public safety, especially in densely populated commercial areas during festive seasons.
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