Mysterious house blast in Bhubaneswar triggers panic, police start probe

Panic gripped the local residents in Jharpada area in Bhubaneswar after an explosion was reported at a house here on Monday night. While the exact reason behind the blast is still unclear, the police have started an investigation into the incident.

One portion of the house has collapsed under the impact of the mysterious blast. Some people have been injured in the explosion. Sources said several products including deodorants were stored in the house which was used as a commercial unit.

The house owner said, “As the wall has collapsed, I suspect that someone might have hurled a bomb. There was product stock worth Rs 31 lakh and cash of Rs 1.5 lakh in the room. Deodorants’ stock was very low inside. The blast occurred at around 11:40 pm yesterday.”

“We were sleeping inside the house when we heard a loud noise. After we rushed out, we noticed fire in the house,” said a neighbour.

Several body and homecare products were inside the house and most of them have been gutted. Meanwhile, police have ruled out any bomb explosion. However, only after a detailed investigation, a clear picture is likely to emerge.

“We have reached the spot and an investigation has been started by the forensic team,” said a senior police official.