THENI: A dog was blown to pieces when some unidentified material dumped with garbage exploded while the canine was rummaging through it for food at a village near T Surulipatti here, an area being closely monitored for naxal movement, police said.
They said samples from the site had been collected for chemical analysis.
Local councillor Ganesan who visited the spot said the blast, which took place yesterday, was powerful and at least two or three people would have died had they come in contact with the garbage before the dog rummaged through it.
He said waste from a temple is usually disposed at the spot.
The councillor said he had given an oral complaint to 'Q' branch inspector Murugan.
Murugan too confirmed it was a powerful blast, but declined to give further information.