Bengaluru, Dec 26 (NationPress) The Karnataka Home Minister, G. Parameshwara, has requested a comprehensive report regarding the helium gas cylinder explosion that occurred in front of the iconic Mysuru Palace. This tragic incident resulted in the death of a balloon vendor and left four tourists injured.

In a statement to the press in Bengaluru, Parameshwara remarked, "I have instructed officials to enhance security protocols, especially considering the influx of tourists in this area. Collaboration with the Tourism Department is essential. In light of the recent occurrences in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, we must approach such events with utmost seriousness. Increased vigilance is imperative."

"The balloon seller, who tragically lost his life due to the cylinder blast, was reported to be from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. I have mandated the authorities to provide a detailed report regarding the explosion. This incident also reminds us of a previous case involving a minor girl engaged in balloon selling in Mysuru, indicating a lack of proper regulations for small vendors in this historic city," he noted.

Parameshwara continued, "Upon my next visit to Mysuru, I will reiterate the necessary actions to be taken."

"I have requested officials to confirm whether there are any existing regulations regarding the sale of balloons using helium gas cylinders in public spaces. We need to investigate how the vendor obtained the cylinder and helium gas, as well as the source of these materials. An exhaustive investigation will be conducted, and a report will follow," he stated.

"The Mysuru City Police Commissioner and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) are currently looking into this case, and I have asked for a report upon the completion of their investigation," he added.

It is important to note that the explosion's force was so strong that Saleem, who was selling helium balloons near the Jayamarthanda Gate adjacent to the Mysuru Palace, died instantly, with his remains dismembered in the blast.

Four individuals, including Lakshmi from Kamakshipalya in Bengaluru, Manjula from Nanjangud, Shamina Shabil from Kolkata, and Kotresh from Ranebennur, suffered severe injuries.

The injured are currently receiving medical treatment at K.R. Hospital in Mysuru.

Kotresh from Ranebennur recounted, "The explosion happened unexpectedly, causing me to fall. Many others were also knocked down by the blast's intensity. I had come with my family to visit the Mysuru Palace, and after purchasing balloons for my children, we had only walked about ten feet before the explosion occurred."

In a significant development, the Karnataka Police are now investigating the possibility of foul play.

Sources indicate that authorities are exploring whether the explosion was intentional.

Furthermore, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) is anticipated to arrive at the scene to conduct a thorough investigation.

Initial findings suggest that the explosion was not an accident.

According to police reports, the deceased, 40-year-old Saleem, originally from Uttar Pradesh, had arrived in Mysuru approximately 15 days ago and had been selling balloons around the palace for the last week. Local vendors mentioned that they had never seen him before.