Pramesh S Jain
A mysterious explosion near the house of a relative of Kannada matinee idol Dr Rajkumar in Gajanur,Tamil Nadu,late Monday night has triggered panic among family members,with suspicions of a crude bomb attack.
The explosion occurred around 10.22 pm, shattering windowpanes of the house. Police from Thalavadi rushed to the spot and launched an investigation.
Initially,the explosion was suspected to have been caused by firecrackers in view of the Deepavali celebrations.
However,the intensity of the blast and the damage caused to the house have raised suspicions that an explosive device,possibly a crude bomb,may have been used.
Manojna,the granddaughter of Dr Rajkumar’s sister,said the family members escaped unhurt.“By God’s grace, nobody was injured.
Immediately after hearing the explosion,we came out and saw two people running away.We followed them and even recorded a video.Those boys belong to our village,” she reportedly said.
There are also reports that as many as six people fled the scene following the explosion.
The Thalavadi police have collected samples from the spot and sent them to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) for analysis.
The exact nature of the explosion and the type of explosive material used will be established after the forensic examination.
Police are also examining CCTV footage from the surrounding areas to identify those involved.
The incident has raised questions about who could have targeted a family that commands considerable respect in Gajanur. The motive behind the explosion and the identity of those responsible remain unclear.
Police said the investigation is underway and that it is too early to conclude whether the blast was caused by a crude bomb or another explosive substance.
