Latest Update
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (DV)
Mangaluru, Nov 20: Several twists are being reported in the probe related to the blast reported in an autorickshaw on Saturday, November 19.
Police suspect that one Sharik had come to plant a bomb and that the device had been prepared in Mysuru.
The accused had reached Mangaluru from Mysuru by bus and he alighted from the bus in Padil and walked towards Pumpwell. It is learnt he then hired an autorickshaw in the middle of the road and all along it is also believed the accused Sharik had worn three shirts.
Accidentally, the device blasted in the auto and the accused was injured due to the incident.
The person who is availing himself of the treatment is identified as Sharik.
Mangaluru: Explosion in autorickshaw – NIA team arrives for spot inspection
Update
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS/ANK)
Mangaluru, Nov 20: The NIA team arrived on the spot where the explosion took place in a moving autorickshaw at Garodi, Nagori in the city on Saturday.
The NIA team of four people held a spot inspection and also checked the auto rickshaw that was kept a little away. Local police have also cordoned off the area.
Suspicions are pointing at the passenger who was travelling in the vehicle during the blast. No clear information on him is available yet.
The suspected passenger looks like a labourer of North India origin. Only an ID card saying that he is Premraj Kanogi is found with him. It is said that the blast occurred inside the box that was kept in the bag of the passenger. Half of his body has received severe burns. The autorickshaw is also badly damaged.
It is said that the blast occurred in a cooker that the passenger was carrying. But so far no one knows what is the reason for the blast. The FSL team too arrived on the spot on Saturday itself.
The Kankanady police have registered a case under Explosives act.
Meanwhile, the mother of Premraj Kanogi, whose ID card was found with the passenger, has given a statement and clarified the matter. She said, “Premraj lost his aadhar card. I advised him to give a complaint to the police. He was interrogated in Tumkur also. I spoke to my son on Sunday morning in this regard.”
Loveraj, brother of Premraj said, “My brother is a D group worker in railways. He is doing track maintenance work. He is a gold medalist student. After he lost his aadhar card, it has been misused. The photo on the aadhaar card is not of my brother Premraj. Someone else is using my brother’s card. My brother has given all the information to the police. We also have provided all the information.”
Earlier Report
Mangaluru: Mysterious explosion in autorickshaw - Police probe on
Mangaluru, Nov 19 (IANS): Tension prevailed on Saturday following the mysterious explosion in a moving auto. The incident had taken place in Kankanady police station limits and the police has taken the development very seriously and is investigating it.
The visuals of the blast were captured on CCTV and police are examining the footage. Sleuths of the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) have found two batteries, nuts, bolt and substance with circuit wiring. It is suspected that a light explosive device had been used for the explosion.
Both passenger and auto driver were injured in the incident. Police are also looking for eye witnesses regarding the explosion.
In light of the incident, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai had visited the city and ADGP (Law and Order) Alok Kumar has ordered a high-level probe.
"The investigation is conducted in all dimensions. The senior officers in Mangaluru city will monitor the probe," he stated.
A team of National Intelligence Agency (NIA) is also likely to visit the place and take up investigation.
The passenger is issuing confusing statements to the police and his role is being suspected.
The police have gathered the ID card of the passenger which identifies gim as Premraj Kanogi. His half body is burnt and police are verifying his statements and antecedents.
Mangaluru Police Commissioner Shashikumar stated that the fire was noticed after a passenger boarded the auto.
Meanwhile, DGP Praveen Sood called it an 'Act of Terror'. He tweeted, "It’s confirmed now. The blast is not accidental but an ACT OF TERROR with intention to cause serious damage. Karnataka State Police is probing deep into it along with central agencies."