A massive explosion took place in West Bengal's Hoogly area on Thursday as police officials tried to defuse seized firecrackers.
The CID had recovered the bombs two days ago, and were defusing it in a secluded river bed when the blast occurred.
According to PTI, the impact was so huge that window panes of houses even in Chinsurah in Hooghly district were shattered, besides damaging several buildings in the Ramghat area of Naihati.
Protesting against the authorities over the explosion, angry locals in Chuchura (Chinsurah) set two police vehicles on fire.
"I have spoken to my superiors, and he has assured that no further incidences will occur. As for the damage that has been done, we're looking to see how the people can be compensated," Chandannagar Police Commissioner, Humayun Kabir said.
A local BJP leader called for an investigation by a Central investigating agency.
Initial reports by PTI had quoted official sources to say that the explosion happened in the district's Naihati town when police were defusing a large quantity of firecrackers they had seized from illegal manufacturing units in the area.
Taking to Twitter, BJP MP Arjun Singh wondered why the police had named the bomb factories in Debak, Naihati as a cracker factory.
Later in the day, West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar too commented on the explosion.
"The explosion leaves nothing to imagination. It calls for thorough probe in view of its seriousness, intensity and damage caused. Only expert investigation can unearth issues involved. This ominous development should be eye opener for law enforcing and regulatory regime in State," he wrote.
(With inputs from PTI and Prema Rajaram)
