AGRA/NEW DELHI: A day after a low-intensity blast ripped through a hospital in Agra, the police are still puzzled over the motive behind the incident.
Preliminary investigation showed the presence of an inflammable mixture which is usually found in firecrackers, the police said.
“Investigation shows a mixture of potassium chlorate, charcoal and sulphur, which is normally used in crackers, was used as the explosive device. Cylindrical iron rods were used as containers for the explosive, that was tied to the crude IED,” Uttar Pradesh’s Special Director General of Police Brij Lal told reporters here.
Six people were injured in the blast. Two have already been discharged.
The Centre had dispatched a team of National Security Guards to the spot for forensic investigation soon after the blast.
The UP Police has reportedly handed over its report regarding the incident to the Centre.
The police are pointing to commercial rivalry as the motive behind the blast, rather than a terror link, alluding to several private hospitals in the vicinity.
“With the nature of injuries caused, it appears the entire set-up was locally prepared. Six batteries of 9 volt each were used. They were connected in series with some filament placed in the explosive. The blast took place due to the heating effect in the filament. We have found no traces of a timer in the blast,” Lal said.
Uttar Pradesh Panchayati Raj Minister Swami Prasad Maurya and Union Minister of State (Home) Bhanwar Jitendra Singh inspected the blast site on Sunday.
“A compensation of `50,000 will be provided to the injured from the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund,” Singh said. Chief Minister Mayawati has separately announced a compensation of `1 lakh. Asked whether the blast had any terror angle, Singh replied: “Prima facie it is a low-intensity blast involving a crude bomb...It’s difficult to say anything with confirmation in this regard till we get reports of the investigating agencies.”
“The PM and Home Minister want an extensive probe into the case,” Singh said. The UP Police has announced a reward of `50,000 for any information on those involved in the blast.