BAGALKOT: A powerful explosion destroyed an SUV parked near a wine shop at Hipparagi village in Jamkhandi taluk of Bagalkot district on Saturday night. Police said the vehicle turned turtle under the impact of the blast and went up in flames. One person sustained injuries in the incident.
The force of the explosion was so intense that parts of the SUV were blown several metres away. The vehicle is said to be registered in the name of one MG Toragal and was being used by Hanumanta Sangonda, the manager of the wine shop. The vehicle was parked outside the shop when the blast occurred.
Bomb in SUV? Probe ordered
Personnel from the Jamakhandi Fire and Emergency Services rushed to the spot and doused the fire. Sangonda suspects foul play and alleged that an explosive device might have been planted in the vehicle. He said it was fortunate that the car was stationary at the time of the blast.
Meanwhile, a bomb disposal squad reached the site to examine the vehicle. Jamakhandi Rural Police have registered a case against unidentified persons and launched an investigation to find the exact cause of the explosion. Police said that they are waiting for the findings of the forensic and bomb squad examinations to take further action.
