An explosion rocked a private hospital on the national highway 2 in Agra on Saturday causing panic in the area. While Uttar Pradesh Special Director-General (Law and Order) Brij Lal said that three persons were injured, reports from Agra claimed that six to 10 persons sustained injuries. There have been no casualties.
The blast, said to be a low-intensity one by the police, occurred at the reception counter of the Jai Hospital near the Bhagwan cinema hall under the Hari Parbat police station area in Agra at around 5.30 p.m.
Among sensitive cities
Notwithstanding the fact that Agra is among the sensitive cities in Uttar Pradesh from the terror point of view, the possibility of a terrorist attack has been ruled out. “The nature of the explosion does not point towards a terror attack, if that were so the terrorist would have used a crowded place and not the reception counter of a private hospital,” Mr. Lal told The Hindu.
Injured in hospital
The blast occurred at the reception where there were four chairs and some persons. “Three persons were injured and there were no casualties. The injured were being treated in the private hospital,” he said.
Security enhanced
Mr. Lal said a small explosive was used. Security has been tightened in Agra and an alert sounded in the State. Teams from the Anti-Terrorist Squad and the bomb disposal squad have reached the blast site. Experts from the Forensic Science Laboratory based in Agra have also rushed there to ascertain the nature of the explosion and the type of the explosive material.
Inspector-General of Agra Range P.K Tiwari, Senior Superintendent of Police/Deputy Inspector-General Aseem Arun and the district magistrate were also present.
Probe under way
Thick black smoke enveloped the reception counter following the explosion causing panic among the patients and their attendants. The possibility of the explosive material being kept in a tiffin box has been ruled out by the police. “Investigations are under way to find a definite lead,” Mr. Lal added.
