HOSHIARPUR (Punjab), Feb 29: A low-intensity blast near Gate No. 71 on the Jalandhar-Jammu rail track injured the gateman and triggered panic in the area on Thursday. Traffic on the Jalandhar-Jammu rail section was suspended following the explosion.
The explosive appeared to be a country-made cracker used to target wild animals, especially wild boars, in farmlands to save crops, said the police, dispelling any cause for panic.
In the blast, the gateman Sonu Kumar from UP, presently residing at the Railway quarters in village Khudda, sustained minor injuries and was hospitalised. Sub-Inspecto GRP Jalandhar, Ashok Kumar said that the blast took place at Gate No 71 near village Pallachak around 11-30 am.
The gateman on duty, Sonu Kumar, inadvertently stepped on the cracker used for protecting crops from wild animals, causing the blast.
He mentioned that Sonu’s condition is stable. While no visible injury marks were present on Sonu’s body, he reported feeling a burning sensation in one of his foot and leg.
The services of a forensic team and bomb disposal squad have been requisitioned to investigate the type of blast. The entire area is being thoroughly checked.
Traffic on the Jalandhar-Jammu rail section will be restored soon, said Ashok Kumar.
Special Superintendent of Police Surendra Lamba said upon receiving the information, a police team immediately reached the spot and began an investigation. Preliminary investigation revealed that the homemade cracker was a mixture of Gandhak-Potash (potassium nitrate and sulphur) and was being used to protect crops from wild animals in farmlands. Further investigation is underway, the SSP said. (UNI)
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