Child injured after ‘bomb’ explodes while mistaking it for a ball in Uttar Dinajpur

A child sustained serious injuries after a suspected bomb exploded while he was allegedly playing with it in the Pagolpir area under Chakulia Police Station in Uttar Dinajpur on Friday morning. Local residents rushed to the scene after hearing the blast and took the injured child to Chakulia Primary Health Centre, where he is undergoing treatment.

According to local residents and police sources, the explosion occurred inside or near an abandoned tin-roofed shop owned by a man identified as Saifuddin. Residents alleged that several crude bombs had been stored inside the long-shuttered structure for an extended period.

Police sources said the child reportedly entered the abandoned shop on Friday morning and found one of the suspected explosive devices. Unaware of its nature, he allegedly picked it up and began playing with it, believing it to be a ball.

While handling the object, a powerful explosion occurred, leaving the child with severe injuries and heavy bleeding. Residents who responded to the sound of the blast rescued him from the spot and arranged immediate medical assistance. Hospital sources indicated that the injuries are serious.

The incident has caused concern among residents of the area, many of whom fear that additional explosive materials may still be stored inside the abandoned shop. Police have launched an investigation into the incident and are examining whether more explosives are present at the location, as well as how the suspected bombs came to be stored there.