Lucknow: Investigations into Tuesday’s blast at Bundelkhand Gaurav Mahotsav in Chitrakoot have revealed that all four minors who were killed in the incident were local residents who visited the venue to watch the firecracker show. The children had managed to sneak into the area where preparations were underway for the show.
The deceased were identified as Ajneya Mishra (11), Prabhat Patel (10), Paras Sharma (12) and Mohit Kumar (14) – all from Chitrakoot. The probe also revealed that crackers kept behind the stage for the show went off unexpectedly due to a short circuit. The blast was so massive it left a two-foot-deep crater while it was heard a kilometre away.
Chitrakoot superintendent of police AK Singh said, “We are also making an inquiry as to how they managed to sneak into the restricted area.”
Additional director general of police, Prayagraj Zone, Bhanu Bhaskar, who is heading the probe in the incident on the directions of CM Yogi Adityanath, visited the spot for the second consecutive day.
“A 12-member FSL team from Prayagraj, Agra and Lucknow reached Chitrakoot on Thursday to find out the cause of the explosion. The forensic team has started investigating all the electronic explosive devices installed at the place where the fireworks show was to be held. Some crackers with high intensity explosives have also been collected,” he said.
“We will soon send summons to the accused company against which an FIR has been registered,” said Bhaskar.
Lawyers stage protest
On the other hand, a group of advocates staged a protest against the police and administration at the Patel Chowk blaming them for the negligence that led to the blast killing four innocent children. They alleged that no safety protocols were followed by the organisers and it was all happening in the heart of the city with district administration as the main organiser.
