Kolkata, March 7 – Minor explosions were reported at a closed clubhouse in north Kolkata on Saturday morning, causing panic in the area. However, no injuries have been reported, police officials said.
According to police, a series of explosions occurred at a closed clubhouse on 1/2 C Gangulipara Lane in Paikpara, north Kolkata, around 7 a.m. The force of the explosion caused the tin roof of the house to collapse, landing on the roof of a multi-story building next to it.
Locals alleged that someone had left a crude bomb in the abandoned clubhouse. Some also believe that there was a dispute between the promoters that led to the incident.
An investigation is underway to determine whether there was any other reason behind the explosion in the run-up to the state Assembly elections.
According to the police, the explosion in the closed clubhouse startled the locals. Witnesses reported hearing at least 5 loud explosions. They saw that the tin roof of the clubhouse had collapsed. The door of the clubhouse had also been blown off. The ransacked club was filled with smoke.
The locals quickly informed the Chitpur police station. The bomb squad was also informed. Officers from the bomb and dog squads quickly reached the spot for investigation.
The club and the area adjacent to it were supposed to be developed into a housing complex. Locals said that there was probably a dispute about it. The club had been closed for the last 6-7 months. However, locals said that many outsiders used to come there occasionally. Perhaps due to this dispute, someone had stored bombs in the closed clubhouse, the locals alleged.
Following the incident, locals demanded the immediate deployment of police in the area and the installation of CCTV cameras around the clubhouse. The police are investigating the matter.
