Pune: A major blast occurred at the forest department office at Paudh in Mulshi, Pune, in the early hours of Wednesday, ripping apart doors and windows in the building and causing a supporting wall to collapse, according to Pune rural police. However, no casualties were reported. Over 90 crude bombs confiscated from poachers had been stored on the premises, which caused the explosion.
During working hours, the office is occupied by Tamhini wildlife sanctuary authorities. The handmade bombs were seized from poachers, who routinely use these to trap boars and other animals. A case had been filed in the matter and, in the meanwhile, the bombs were being stored at the office.
The police said the high-intensity blast could have been caused by rodents or improper storage or other reasons and investigations were under way. The impact of the blast, caused the office shutters to be hurled several feet away and furniture and other office paraphernalia was damaged. Forest officials have said an inquiry will be conducted in the matter.
