Tragedy struck Palamu, Jharkhand, on Sunday as a blast at a scrap dealer's establishment claimed the lives of four individuals, three of whom were minors. The incident occurred in the Manatu police station area, approximately 190 km from the state capital Ranchi on the eve of the Lok Sabha elections.
Confirming the grim toll, Palamu Superintendent of Police (SP) Reeshma Ramesan disclosed, "Four persons, including three minors, were killed in the incident", news agency PTI reported. As authorities grapple with the aftermath, investigations are underway to ascertain the cause of the blast. "We are investigating the incident from every angle, including the possibility of a bomb blast," stated SP Ramesan.
According to other inputs, three people have been injured in the incident.
A team led by Nirmal Uranv, Officer-in-Charge of the Manatu police station, along with the Rapid Action Force, has been deployed to the scene. According to eyewitness accounts, the blast ensued while a scrap vendor and five others were sorting through recyclable materials at their residence.
Rukhsana Khatoon, 17, daughter of one of the deceased, described the incident, "My father was segregating scrap, including TV iron tubing and other metals, when suddenly something exploded within the scrap heap, injuring everyone nearby."
Preliminary investigations suggest that the blast was caused by an accidental explosion of materials collected at the deceased's residence. A detailed probe is underway, with experts from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) also examining the site.
The deceased have been identified as Istiyak Ansari (alias Motu), aged 50, son of Kalim Ansari; Sahadat Ansari, aged 8, son of Istiyak Ansari; Shahid Ansari, aged 8, son of Hazrat Ansari; and Varish Ansari, aged 10, son of Akbar Ansari.
The injured are Majid Ansari, aged 7, son of Istiyak Ansari; Rukhsana Khatoon, aged 17, wife of Istiyak Ansari; and Afsana Khatoon, aged 14, daughter of Istiyak Ansari.
All three are currently receiving treatment at local hospitals and are residents of the Naudiha village in the Manatu police station area of Palamu.
Expressing condolences, Jharkhand Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan stated, "I am deeply saddened by the loss of three children and four others in the blast incident in the Naudiha village of the Manatu police station area in Palamu district. My heartfelt condolences go out to the grieving families. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured individuals."
Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Palamu Among 4 Seats To Vote On Monday
As more details regarding the explosion are awaited, Jharkhand gears up for voting gears up in four Lok Sabha constituencies—Singhbhum, Khunti, Lohardaga, and Palamu—amidst rigorous security arrangements. More than 64.37 lakh eligible voters, including 32.07 lakh women, are poised to exercise their democratic right, as reported by a state election official.
Jharkhand's Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), K Ravi Kumar, affirmed, "All preparations have been completed to hold the polls free and fair in four Lok Sabha constituencies. Elaborate security arrangements have been ensured in every booth across four constituencies", as quoted by PTI.
In a bid to maximise voter turnout, the slogan 'Is Baar, Din Bhar Matdan (whole day voting this time)' has been adopted, aiming to encourage sustained participation throughout the polling day. The voting window is scheduled from 7 am to 5 pm on Monday, ensuring ample time for voters to cast their ballots.
Of the four Lok Sabha seats in contention, three are reserved for Scheduled Tribes (ST), while Palamu is designated for Scheduled Caste (SC) candidates.
With 7,595 polling stations established across the constituencies, meticulous arrangements have been made, including the deployment of model booths, female-managed stations, and those managed by persons with disabilities (PwD). Additionally, webcasting facilities will be available in all polling stations, ensuring transparency and accountability in the electoral process.
A total of 45 candidates, including seven from Khunti, 15 from Lohardaga, nine from Palamu, and 14 from Singhbhum, are vying for victory.
In Singhbhum, a riveting battle ensues between BJP's Geeta Kora and INDIA bloc's Joba Manjhi, adding intrigue to the electoral narrative. Similarly, Khunti witnesses a face-off between Union Minister Arjun Munda and INDIA bloc's Kalicharan Munda, promising a contest of significance. Lohardaga, meanwhile, anticipates a triangular contest, with JMM's Bishunpur MLA Chamra Linda joining the fray as an Independent candidate.
Palamu is set for a direct confrontation between BJP's sitting MP Vishnu Dayal Ram and RJD's Mamta Bhuiyan as the I.N.D.I.A. bloc candidate.
Of the 45 candidates, 13 have declared criminal cases against them.