Mysuru, Dec 26 (NationPress) In light of the concerns regarding potential foul play associated with the helium gas cylinder explosion that took place near the iconic Mysuru Palace on December 25, Karnataka's Minister for Social Welfare and Mysuru district in-charge, H.C. Mahadevappa, stated on Friday that there should be no cause for alarm regarding this incident.

As of now, the death toll resulting from the blast has increased to two, with Manjula, a resident of Nanjangud, tragically passing away from her injuries on Friday. Medical professionals reported that she died from cardiac arrest while undergoing treatment at KR Hospital in Mysuru after being admitted late Thursday night. Saleem, the balloon vendor from Lucknow, was killed instantly in the explosion.

Minister Mahadevappa paid a visit to KR Hospital to meet with the injured individuals. Addressing the media, he responded to the suspicions of foul play, asserting, “Saleem was engaged in various jobs to support himself. There is no reason for concern for anyone. He was selling ice candies and balloons to make ends meet. The gas was derived from helium powder. Instructions have been given to investigate this matter thoroughly.”

He confirmed that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) had gathered all pertinent information. “It’s standard procedure for the NIA to collect details when such incidents occur. We fully support their investigation. This incident appears to be an accident, and the NIA has already collected all necessary information,” he stated.

Furthermore, Mahadevappa assured that the government is providing treatment for the injured. “The condition of two individuals is critical, while others have sustained minor injuries,” he remarked.

Earlier, the Karnataka Police had expressed doubts about foul play concerning the helium balloon gas cylinder explosion near Mysuru Palace, with sources indicating that an NIA team is expected to visit the site soon.

Initial inquiries suggested that the explosion was not a typical accident, raising alarms among investigators.

Saleem was selling helium balloons near the Jayamartanda Gate of the Mysuru Palace when he was fatally injured. According to police reports, the 40-year-old, originally from Uttar Pradesh, had only arrived in Mysuru about two weeks ago and had been vending balloons around the palace for just a week. Local merchants informed police that they had not seen him prior to this.

Investigators noted that Saleem was first seen near the Varaha Gate of the palace around 8:30 p.m., where entry tickets are sold. He then relocated to the Jayamartanda Gate, a location that typically experiences heavy foot traffic due to its direct view of the palace. The helium gas cylinder exploded in this very spot.

It was later revealed that Saleem had been residing at Sharif Lodge in Lashkar Mohalla for the past 15 days. Investigators are examining how a balloon vendor could afford such accommodation, although it was determined that he paid Rs 100 per day.

The explosion’s force was so intense that it dismembered Saleem’s body. Among the injured were Lakshmi from Kamakshipalya in Bengaluru, Manjula from Nanjangud, Shamina Shabil from Kolkata, and Kotresh from Ranebennur, with Manjula sadly succumbing to her injuries on Friday.

In addition, a Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team collected samples from the blast site on Friday, gathering blood samples and other materials from the area.

Police sources have indicated that they are taking no chances, as Mysuru is a prominent tourist destination attracting many visitors during the Christmas and New Year festivities.