Fatehabad low-intensity bus blast: Accused nabbed

Two days after the low-intensity blast on a private bus on Bhuna-Fatehabad road, Hisar range inspector general of police (IGP) OP Singh claimed that the blast was not a terrorist attack after arresting the accused.

Two days after the low-intensity blast on a private bus on Bhuna-Fatehabad road, Hisar range inspector general of police (IGP) OP Singh claimed that the blast was not a terrorist attack after arresting the accused.

“We have recovered 400-gram potash and sulphur from the grocery shop from where had had bought the chemical. Accused’s burnt pajama and slippers have also been recovered,” the IG said. (HT Photo)

On Wednesday late night, Singh said, “After we got a lead from a sweeper, who had seen a man running from the spot, at the petrol pump near the blast spot and scanning the CCTV footage police have arrested the accused. He was carrying potash and sulphur-like of chemical which went off inside the moving bus accidentally, injuring three people including the accused. The accused has been identified as Mukesh Kumar, son of Ramkishan — who guards a field — a resident of Jandali Kalan village in Fatehabad district.”

SP Fatehabad OP Narwal said, “A case under Sections 9(B) 1(B) of the Explosives Act-1884 has been registered at Bhuna police station. During interrogation, Kumar revealed that on June 6, he had purchased potash and sulphur for Rs 20 each from a grocery shop. He mixed both the chemicals in a bottle, which exploded on the bus.”

The IG Singh said: “Farmers use this chemical to keep birds and animals away from the fields. After the blast, we formed a special investigation team (SIT) and Fatehabad SP OP Narwala was looking into the matter.”

“We have also recovered 400-gram potash and sulphur from the grocery shop from where had had bought the chemical. Accused’s burnt pajama and slippers have also been recovered,” the IG added.