GUWAHATI, Dec 5 - Two low-intensity �explosions� which, according to security agencies, were the result of firecrackers bursting accidentally, caused panic
at Fancy Bazar, the commercial hub of the region, this afternoon.
However, the intensity of the explosions was enough to cause injuries to four persons, including a minor girl, who were rushed to the Mahendra Mohan
Choudhury Hospital.
Although the police claimed that the explosion was not the handiwork of any militant outfit, a sense of fear prevailed in the area with a section of traders
even downing their shutters before time. The incident drew attention as the Guwahati Commissionerate area had already been put on high alert with
intelligence reports suggesting that militant outfits could carry out subversive activities.
Meanwhile, the injured � Rafikul Ali (21), Priya Kalita (52), Deb Chandra Yadav (45) and Hasina Khatun (9) � are stated to be out of danger
�The incident took place around 3.10 pm on the Jail Road when a ragpicker was trying to carry a packet which probably had firecrackers in it,� top security
sources claimed. It was, however, still not clear how the crackers caught fire all of a sudden.
�The ragpicker, who handled the firecrackers accidentally, was also injured. Had it been a grenade or any other bomb, the impact would have been much
greater,� said Guwahati Police Commissioner Mukesh Agarwal after inspecting the spot.
�The ragpicker was trying to burn the garbage,� Agarwal said, quoting some eye-witnesses. He said that forensic experts are making an assessment of the spot.
Kamrup (Metro) DC Dr M Angamuthu also visited the spot and said that the sound was due to some objects like crackers bursting and not any grenade or IED.
Police, meanwhile, have picked up the minor ragpicker who first came into contact with the objects and are questioning him.
Deb Chandra Yadav, who sustained injuries on his legs and stomach, said that he was passing through the Jail Road when some objects him.
�There was a deafening sound and I lost sense for a few moments,� said Yadav, a handcart puller.
