Mysuru, Dec 26 (NationPress) In light of the concerns surrounding the helium gas cylinder explosion that occurred near the historic Mysuru Palace on December 25, Karnataka's Minister for Social Welfare and Mysuru district in-charge, H.C. Mahadevappa, has stated that there is no reason for alarm regarding the incident.

The tragic event has now resulted in a total of two fatalities, with Manjula from Nanjangud passing away due to her injuries on Friday. Medical professionals reported that she suffered a cardiac arrest. She was receiving treatment at KR Hospital in Mysuru after being admitted late on Thursday night. Saleem, a balloon vendor from Lucknow, lost his life instantly in the explosion.

Minister Mahadevappa visited KR Hospital to meet with the injured victims. Addressing the media, he commented on the suspicions of foul play, asserting, “Saleem was engaged in various jobs to support himself. There is no cause for worry among the public. He was selling ice candies and balloons to make a living. The gas was made from helium powder, and instructions have been given to investigate further.”

He mentioned that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has compiled all relevant information. “It is standard procedure for the NIA to gather details when such incidents occur. We have no objection to their inquiry. This was an accident, and the NIA has already collected all necessary information,” he added.

The Minister noted that the government is providing treatment to the injured, stating, “The condition of two individuals is critical, while others have suffered minor injuries.”

It is important to note that earlier, Karnataka Police had expressed concerns about possible foul play in the helium balloon gas cylinder explosion near the Mysuru Palace, with sources indicating that an NIA team is expected to visit the scene.

Initial investigations suggested that the explosion, which took place on Thursday, was not a typical accident, raising alarms among investigators.

Saleem, who had been selling helium balloons near the Jayamartanda Gate of the Mysuru Palace, was killed instantly. According to police reports, the 40-year-old vendor from Uttar Pradesh had arrived in Mysuru about 15 days prior and had been selling balloons around the palace for the last week. Local vendors informed the police that they had not seen him before this time.

Investigators noted that Saleem was first observed near the Varaha Gate of the palace around 8:30 p.m., where tickets are sold for entry. He then moved to the Jayamartanda Gate, a popular spot providing a direct view of the palace, where the helium gas cylinder exploded.

It was later discovered that Saleem had been staying at Sharif Lodge in Lashkar Mohalla for the last 15 days. Investigators are looking into how a balloon vendor could afford such accommodation. However, it turned out he was paying Rs 100 per day for his stay.

The force of the explosion was so severe that it dismembered Saleem's body. Serious injuries were also reported for Lakshmi from Kamakshipalya in Bengaluru, Manjula from Nanjangud, Shamina Shabil from Kolkata, and Kotresh from Ranebennur. Among them, Manjula succumbed to her injuries on Friday.

Meanwhile, a Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team collected samples from the Jayamartanda Gate site on Friday. Experts gathered blood samples and other materials from the blast location.

Police sources indicated that they are taking no chances, as Mysuru is a significant tourist destination, drawing large crowds during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.