Daijiworld Media Network - Patna
Patna, Jan 22: A strong explosion rocked Badram village in Bihar’s Siwan district on Thursday, coinciding with chief minister Nitish Kumar’s visit to the district as part of his ongoing Samriddhi Yatra. The incident heightened security concerns as official programmes were underway nearby.
Police said the blast occurred around 11.30 am within the limits of Hussainganj police station. The station house officer confirmed the incident, adding that one youth, identified as Mohammad Murtaza, lost his life in the explosion.
Initial findings suggest that the blast may have been triggered by firecrackers. Local residents alleged that materials used for making firecrackers were being illegally manufactured in the village and that the explosion occurred suddenly during this activity.
The impact of the blast was reportedly so intense that it was heard across a large area, sparking panic among villagers. Several nearby houses also suffered damage, residents claimed.
Following the incident, Hussainganj police rushed to the spot, sealed off the area, and began a detailed investigation. Teams are currently clearing debris to determine the exact nature of the materials involved and to verify whether others were present at the site at the time of the explosion. A forensic team has also been alerted.
Officials said the case is being examined from multiple angles, including the possibility of illegal production and storage of explosive materials. The body of the deceased has been sent for post-mortem examination, and further details are awaited.
Meanwhile, chief minister Nitish Kumar, on the sixth day of his Samriddhi Yatra, continued his schedule in Siwan district. He inaugurated and laid foundation stones for 71 development projects and visited the Government Medical College at Mairwa, where he inaugurated facilities in a newly constructed building.
At the main programme venue, the chief minister also reviewed departmental exhibition stalls and distributed cheques to beneficiaries of various state government welfare schemes. The event was attended by deputy chief minister Samrat Choudhary, Water Resources Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary, Health Minister Mangal Pandey, Cabinet Minister Pramod Kumar, Siwan MP Vijayalakshmi Devi, Maharajganj MP Janardan Singh Sigriwal, along with senior officials and other dignitaries.