‘Blast’ sparks panic in Kashimira

As the country continues to reel under the shock of the Pulwama terror attack, a mysterious blast-like sound triggered panic among the residents and motorists on the highway belt in Kashimira on Wednesday morning.

According to police, a sound of a low-intensity blast was heard by motorists on the highway a few metres from Thakur Mall at 10 am. Police rushed to the spot and cordoned off the area.

“After being informed of the mild explosion by a biker, who was headed to Mumbai, we reached the spot and found strewn ball bearings and plastic pieces. Nobody was injured,” said Vaibhav Shingare, the senior inspector.

“It was a very low-intensity explosion. Our teams are conducting investigations. Everything will be clear after the probe,” said Dr Shivaji Rathod, the Thane (rural) SP. As a precautionary measure, police have intensified security in the region.

While the cause of the explosion was unclear, AntiTerrorist Squad (ATS) and Bomb Disposal and Detection Squad (BDDS) officials collected the samples and materials for forensic tests to determine the cause and material.

“The round ball bearinglike pieces likely made out of gunpowder, which is used in firecrackers were collected,” said a police personnel, requesting anonymity.

While a case under section 3 of the Explosive Substances Act for explosion likely to endanger life or property has been registered against unidentified persons at the Kashimira police station, prima facie, the investigators have not ruled out the possibility of plain mischief.