Explosion Rocks Shamli Police Station During Liquor Disposal Operation
Four people sustained injuries, including one critically, following a powerful explosion at the Jhinjhana police station in Shamli district on Saturday afternoon. The incident occurred during the destruction of seized illicit liquor as part of the ongoing Operation Clean drive under the Excise Act.
Details of the Incident and Injuries
Police officials reported that the blast happened inside the police station premises while authorities were disposing of confiscated liquor by pouring it into a specially dug pit for safe destruction. Chowkidar Mohammad Nawab, a 50-year-old resident of Tisang village, suffered critical burn injuries in the explosion and was subsequently referred to Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi for advanced medical treatment.
According to Shamli Superintendent of Police NP Singh, Nawab allegedly attempted to accelerate the disposal process by setting a piece of cloth on fire and throwing it into the liquor-filled pit. This action triggered a sudden and powerful explosion that caused significant damage and injuries at the scene.
Other Injured Personnel and Their Condition
Three additional individuals were injured in the blast:
- Head Constable Joni Kumar (posted at Jhinjhana police station)
- Constable Lalit Kumar (posted at Jhinjhana police station)
- Sunil Kumar (a JCB operator from Lakshmanpura village assisting in the operation)
All three received local medical treatment and were reported to be out of danger following the incident. Their injuries were less severe compared to those sustained by the chowkidar.
Operation Clean and Judicial Supervision
Jhinjhana Station House Officer Virendra Kasana clarified that the destruction exercise was being conducted under specific judicial orders and was supervised by a court-appointed team. The operation occurred in the presence of the sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) and the circle officer (CO), ensuring proper oversight of the sensitive procedure.
At the time of the explosion, authorities were destroying approximately 800 cartons of illicit liquor connected to nearly 59 separate cases. The substantial quantity of alcohol being disposed of contributed to the intensity of the blast when the ignition occurred.
Investigation and Legal Status
Local police have launched a comprehensive inquiry to determine the exact sequence of events leading to the explosion. Investigators are examining all aspects of the disposal procedure, safety protocols, and individual actions that may have contributed to the incident.
As of the latest reports, no immediate legal action has been taken against any individuals involved in the operation. The investigation continues to gather evidence and statements from witnesses and participants to establish a complete understanding of the circumstances surrounding the blast.
The incident has raised questions about safety procedures during the destruction of hazardous materials, particularly flammable substances like alcohol. Authorities are expected to review and potentially strengthen protocols for similar operations in the future to prevent such accidents from recurring.
