A blast in an empty Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) bus at Manchar — 60 km from Pune — on Sunday night has left the police baffled.
Nobody was injured in the blast that took place around 7.30 pm in a Ranjani-bound bus, ripping off the front portion of the bus.
Preliminary police investigation has revealed the use of gelatin and detonator in the blast. The police have, however, ruled out the involvement of terrorists.
“It seems to be some kind of mischief and police do not anticipate any serious threat from terrorists,” said District Superintendent of Police Ravindra Kadam, who had rushed to the blast site with other senior police officials.
Pune Anti-Terrorism Squad chief Inspector Peter Lobo also ruled out the terrorist angle, adding that the ATS is investigating the case.
Police investigation has revealed that the gelatin and detonator used in the blast were from the Nagpur ammunition factory. The gelatin and detonator were placed under a seat and connected to a 12-m-long wire. The police suspect that the miscreants had joined the wires of the gelatin and detonator when the bus was empty.
The Manchar police said gelatin and detonators were commonly used in the area to dig up wells. However, it requires official permit to transport and use these explosives.
{{/usCountry}}The Manchar police said gelatin and detonators were commonly used in the area to dig up wells. However, it requires official permit to transport and use these explosives.
{{/usCountry}}“Transport of explosives is not allowed in ST buses and action might be taken against the MSRTC employees,” said a police source.