Windows shatter during Kali Puja immersion in Bengal's village: Firecracker or Bomb?

An explosion occurred during Kali Puja celebrations in Narendrapur, South 24 Parganas, on Monday night, resulting in substantial damage and prompting an immediate police investigation. The incident unfolded around 10:50 PM when residents were actively participating in festivities related to the immersion of idols. The blast originated near the Adhikari family's residence on Garia Nabagram Jhil Road, leading to shattered windows and scattered debris throughout the vicinity.

Eyewitnesses reported that the explosion produced a loud sound that startled residents, prompting many to leave their homes to ascertain the cause of the disturbance. The aftermath of the blast revealed significant property damage, with glass shards littering the Adhikari family’s front yard, balcony, and prayer room. In addition to the broken glass, police discovered remnants of bomb casings near the explosion site, indicating the potential use of explosive devices rather than typical firecrackers commonly used during the festival.

Siddhartha Adhikari, the homeowner, expressed concerns about the nature of the explosion, asserting that it was more powerful than any standard firecracker. Following the incident, the family filed a formal complaint with the Narendrapur police, providing details of the explosion and its impact. The police have since launched an investigation to determine the specifics of the blast, including identifying the type of explosive used and any individuals or groups involved in the incident. They are also examining surveillance footage from the area to gather additional evidence.

In response to the explosion, local law enforcement officials have announced plans to increase monitoring and enforcement of safety regulations concerning the use of firecrackers and explosives during public celebrations. They are reaching out to community members for witness accounts and are conducting interviews to compile a detailed report of the incident.