Mysterious Box Explosion Injures Family of Three at Madhya Pradesh Temple Complex
A mysterious explosion, allegedly triggered by an unclaimed box left outside a shop, injured three members of a family—including an 11-year-old girl—at a temple complex in Madhya Pradesh's Sagar district on Tuesday night. Police are actively probing the object's origin, with initial suspicions about a mobile phone being ruled out after it was found intact at the scene.
Details of the Incident and Injuries
The incident occurred at the Budhi Rangir temple complex, which is part of the renowned Harsiddhi Devi Dham in Rangir village. The victims operate a coconut and prasad shop just outside the temple premises. The injured were identified as Radheshyam Raikwar, 48, his wife, and their daughter Sanjana, aged 11.
Sanjana suffered multiple injuries, including facial trauma and fractures, requiring her to be referred to Bhopal for advanced medical care after primary treatment. Her parents also sustained injuries but are reported to be in stable condition, according to local authorities.
Police Investigation and Eyewitness Account
Sagar Superintendent of Police Vikas Shehwal stated that the mobile phone, initially believed to have triggered the blast, was found undamaged at the spot. This discovery has prompted investigators to focus on other possibilities regarding the explosion's cause.
Raikwar provided a detailed account to local media, explaining that an unidentified box had been left outside their shop in the morning. "We thought some devotee must have accidentally left it there. So, we waited till the evening for someone to come back for it. When no one came, I took the box inside and kept it beside me," he said.
He described the box as having a handle and a torch-like front, making it appear like some kind of device. "Suddenly, there was a loud explosion. Me, my wife, and my daughter were injured, and several items inside our shop were damaged," Raikwar added. Family members noted they are unable to confirm whether the explosion was caused by the box itself or a device inside it, but they maintain that the object holds the key to unraveling the mystery.
Forensic Examination and Ongoing Inquiry
Given the nature of the blast, state intelligence officials along with a bomb disposal squad reached the spot and collected samples for forensic examination. Senior officials emphasized that a detailed inquiry is underway, urging the public to remain restrained and avoid jumping to conclusions until the probe is complete.
Police are exploring all angles, including the possibility of an explosive device being involved. Investigators had initially considered a lithium-ion battery malfunction as a potential cause, but with the mobile phone found intact, officials said that theory is now under review.
Forensic reports are expected to determine the exact cause of the explosion, even as efforts continue to identify the source of the abandoned object and reconstruct the sequence of events. The investigation remains active, with authorities working to ensure public safety and clarity on this unsettling incident.
