Sharmili Mallick

Paradip: A youth was reportedly killed after his mobile phone exploded while it was being charged in Atharabanki area of Paradip last night.

The youth identified as Kuna, a resident of Ranpur area of Nayagarh district was a mason and reportedly engaged in the construction of a Jagannth Temple in Paradip. The temple is being constructed by the Jagannath Truck Owners Association.

Sources said Pradhan was staying with other workers in a mess near the temple site. As per reports, Pradhan was sleeping in the room with his three roommates when the mobile phone, which was put on charge and placed near his bed, exploded leading to his death on the spot.

However, Kuna’s roommates said that they heard no sound of the explosion and realised about the incident when they felt the flames of the fire triggered by the blast.

“At around 5 AM, we noticed flames in our room. As the intensity of the fire was high, we rushed out of the room to save our lives,” said one of the roommates of Kuna.

President of Jagannath Truck Owners Association, Chhaila Chandra Jena said, “We rushed to the spot after getting information at around 5 AM and informed the police. He was sleeping when his mobile phone exploded leading to his death."

Meanwhile, Kuna’s family members have refused to accept that his death was due to a mobile phone explosion and alleged foul play. The family members of Kuna said that he had received his salary last evening and was scheduled to visit home today.

Paradip Police Station IIC along with other officials rushed to the spot after getting information and has started investigation.

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