A minor explosion near a hotel in Mira Road sparked panic among local residents on Wednesday morning. While the Thane Rural Police said the blast was too small to cause any damage to life or property, investigations have been initiated to trace and apprehend the miscreants.
According to the Kashimira police, the blast occurred outside the Ajit Palace hotel in Kashimira, after an unknown person allegedly threw a plastic ball full of explosive material around 10 a.m. on Wednesday.
The incident was reported to the police by a motorcyclist who was passing by, after which teams were rushed to the spot.
“We found that the blast was minor and the effect was not more than that of a firecracker. The Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad and Anti-Terrorism Squad were also called in, and movement of people was restricted while the area was searched extensively before being declared safe,” an officer with the Kashimira police station said.
The police are now investigating to find the identity of the miscreants and their intentions.
“We have recovered three metal balls, a jute fuse and a plastic bottle, which have been sent for forensic examination. Due to the low intensity of the blast, no casualty or damage has been reported,” police inspector Vaibhav Shingare, Kashimira police station, said.
The police have for the moment registered an offence against unknown persons under the Explosives Act and are conducting inquiries to see if anyone actually saw the device being thrown. CCTV camera footage of the area is also being examined, and the police are talking to the management of the hotel to find out if they had any recent arguments with customers or business associates who might have wanted to exact revenge, sources said.
