Deadly Explosion Rocks Hazaribag Neighborhood, Claims Three Lives
A sudden and violent blast struck the Habibi Nagar area of Hazaribag on Wednesday. The explosion resulted in the tragic deaths of three local residents. Police authorities confirmed the fatalities, which included a married couple.
Initial Gas Cylinder Theory Ruled Out
Sadar SDPO Amit Anand provided details on the early stages of the investigation. He stated that the first reports pointed toward a possible gas cylinder explosion. A police team quickly arrived at the scene based on this information.
However, the preliminary examination did not support the leaking cylinder theory. The exact cause of the blast remains undetermined at this time.
"We cannot confirm yet whether this was a bomb or another type of explosive device," Anand explained. "A specialized bomb disposal squad is scheduled to arrive on Thursday to conduct a thorough examination of the site."
Victims Identified, Couple Dies While Working
The police released the names of the deceased. They are Rashida Parveen, aged 54, and the married couple Mohammad Saddam, 45, and his wife Nanhi Parveen, 35.
According to accounts from local residents given to the police, Nanhi and Mohammad Saddam were engaged in cleaning bushes with a spade when the powerful explosion occurred. The blast killed them instantly at the spot.
Rashida Parveen was sitting nearby at the time. She sustained severe injuries from the explosion. Sadly, she succumbed to her wounds while being transported to the hospital for treatment.
Major Police Response and Security Measures
Upon receiving information about the incident, police and administrative officials rushed to Habibi Nagar. The response involved four officers-in-charge from different police stations. Two deputy superintendents of police also reached the area to oversee operations.
Authorities deployed multiple resources to secure and investigate the scene. A sniffer dog squad and a technical team were immediately pressed into service.
Officials cordoned off the entire area as a security precaution. They restricted the movement of civilians around the blast site. One victim's body was transferred to the mortuary at Sheikh Bhikhari Medical College Hospital. The other two bodies remained at the location, awaiting a forensic examination.
History of Violence Raises Security Concerns
This incident has triggered serious security concerns in Hazaribag. The same locality experienced a deadly blast in 2016 during the Ram Navami riots. In that previous event, six people lost their lives. They were allegedly making crude bombs during a curfew period.
The recurrence of a major explosion in Habibi Nagar has alarmed local residents and officials alike. It highlights ongoing challenges with public safety and illegal explosives in the region.
Political Leader Demands Thorough Probe
Hazaribag MP Manish Jaiswal described the Habibi Nagar blast as an extremely serious matter. He referenced the similar past incident from 2016 in his statement.
Jaiswal urged the district administration and police to launch a comprehensive and impartial investigation. He called for intensive search operations to trace and neutralize any illegal explosives. The MP also emphasized the need for strict action against those found responsible for the tragedy.
