On Sunday, a group from the National Security Guard (NSG) visited the eatery located on Mall Road, Shimla. The explosion, which resulted in the death of one person and left 13 others injured, was suspected to have been caused by a gas leak.
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Blast In Shimla
On a Tuesday evening, a blast shook the heart of the city in Shimla, precisely at the Himachali Rasoi restaurant. This popular eatery, renowned for its Himachali cuisines, is situated in Middle Bazaar, adjacent to the fire brigade office. According to the police, the explosion appears to have been triggered by a gas leak.
Investigating Bodies
To conduct a thorough post-blast investigation and determine the exact cause of the explosion, a team from the National Bomb Data Centre of the National Security Guard (NSG) has been deployed. Director General of Police, Sanjay Kundu, informed PTI about the NSG team’s arrival for this crucial investigation.
Spot of The Explosion
At the centre of the investigation was an eatery, a popular spot among locals and tourists alike. However, this bustling place turned into a scene of tragedy when an explosion rocked the establishment. The devastating blast claimed the life of one person and left 13 others severely injured, sending shockwaves through the community.
As news of the incident spread, authorities and emergency services rushed to the scene to provide immediate assistance to the injured. The area was cordoned off to secure the site and facilitate the investigation process. The NSG, with its specialized training in handling such situations, was brought in to determine the cause of the tragedy.
One of the leading theories was that a gas leak might have been the root cause of the explosion. Gas leaks can be extremely dangerous, especially in closed spaces like restaurants, where flammable gases can accumulate and reach explosive levels. The NSG team meticulously examined the remnants of the eatery, collected samples, and interviewed witnesses to piece together the events leading up to the explosion.
Local Intervention
The investigators also worked in tandem with local authorities to ensure that all aspects of the incident were thoroughly scrutinized. They checked for any signs of foul play or intentional sabotage, leaving no stone unturned in their quest for answers.
As the investigation progressed, the injured received medical attention, and the authorities extended support to the family of the deceased. The incident left the entire community in a state of shock and mourning.
Due to its proximity to the Police Reporting Room, the situation is particularly sensitive. Considering the expertise of the NSG in handling such incidents, their services have been requested to ascertain the cause of the blast. The government is following standard operating procedures in involving the NSG in this investigation.
Backdrop
On July 19, Kundu conducted a visit to the blast site and reported that the initial investigation and forensic examination strongly suggest a gas leak as the cause of the explosion. According to the accounts of the injured individuals, the blast resulted from a gas leak originating from two LPG cylinders. Fortunately, the situation could have been far worse as the establishment was closed for maintenance, which helped avert further casualties.
Shimla’s Superintendent of Police, Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi, revealed that individuals in the vicinity of the eatery had raised concerns about a gas leak before the explosion occurred. However, due to the unusually high intensity of the blast, which shattered the windows of multiple shops and houses in the area and was heard several miles away, suspicions have arisen.
Meanwhile, Karan Nanda, the media in charge of the BJP, joined by other shopkeepers, is demanding a thorough and high-level investigation into the incident. They express confidence in the NSG’s capabilities to uncover the truth behind the blast.
NSG – A Ray of Hope in Despair.
In such tragic situations, the work of specialized teams like the NSG is crucial in providing a comprehensive understanding of what transpired. Their expertise in handling explosives and their ability to analyze the incident scientifically helped shed light on the cause of the explosion.
With their thorough examination and analysis of evidence, the NSG team was determined to ascertain the exact sequence of events that led to the tragedy. The ultimate goal was not only to bring closure to the affected families but also to ensure that lessons were learned to prevent such incidents in the future.
