Kanpur, Oct 9 (NationPress) The explosion that shook the Mishri Bazar area of Kanpur was attributed to firecrackers, with several individuals taken into custody regarding the incident, as reported by police on Thursday.

The blast occurred within the jurisdiction of the Moolganj police station on Wednesday evening, creating chaos in the crowded market and resulting in injuries to six people, including a woman who is currently in critical condition.

The force of the explosion was such that both scooters involved were utterly obliterated, and numerous nearby shops experienced significant damage.

Joint Police Commissioner (Law and Order) Ashutosh Kumar, while addressing the media, stated, "Initially, there were suspicions of a bomb being placed in one of the scooters. We promptly alerted the relevant agencies, including the ATS. The damage observed on the front of the vehicle raised suspicions of an explosive device. However, after analyzing CCTV footage and interviewing witnesses, we discovered the presence of an illegal firecracker market operating in the vicinity."

He further explained that a forensic team conducted tests that confirmed the explosion was due to a low-intensity explosive, consistent with firecrackers.

"Our investigations revealed that firecrackers were being sold unlawfully in the area. We are conducting raids, and shopkeepers implicated in the illegal sales are being apprehended," he added.

Kumar also mentioned, "Approximately six individuals who were near the explosion site at the time of the blast and fled upon police arrival have also been detained. They assert they were mere bystanders, yet their behavior has raised suspicions."

Among the six injured, one woman suffered severe burns and remains in a critical condition. All victims have been transported to local hospitals, where their health is being closely monitored.

Police teams are actively investigating the debris and damaged scooters to ensure no additional explosive materials are present.

This incident has heightened safety concerns ahead of the festive season, given that Mishri Bazar is a bustling commercial hub featuring numerous shops that sell toys, decorative items, and firecrackers.

Further inquiries into the explosion are ongoing, with more information anticipated.