Farrukhabad (UP), March 18 Police investigating an explosion at the residence of a former SP MLA in Farrukhabad have booked his two sons, among others, officials said on Wednesday.
Five people were injured in the blast that occurred on Tuesday evening, reportedly due to the presence of explosive material in the basement of Vijay Singh's house, who is currently serving a life sentence in the murder case of senior BJP leader Brahm Dutt Dwivedi, they said.
According to eyewitnesses, the powerful explosion that took place around 8 pm damaged doors, windows, grills, and parts of the structure up to the third floor, police said, adding that six people have been booked in connection with the incident.
Police have booked Avinash and Abhishek, both sons of the ex-SP MLA, among others, for their alleged involvement in manufacturing explosives.
According to the FIR lodged by Sub-Inspector Imran Farid of the City Kotwali police station, two severely burnt youths were spotted being taken to the hospital in an e-rickshaw.
Police questioned the injured Avinash and Abhishek, and acting on the information, police rushed to the spot.
Officials said the floor of the house was completely damaged, the basement ceiling had caved in, and debris was scattered all around.
The injured in the incident include Bhaiyalal, Ishu Chaurasia, Ramveer Yadav, and Rashu Mishra. They were rushed to the hospital with the help of local residents.
Police said preliminary investigation confirmed the presence of explosive material in the basement. Initial findings suggest that explosive substances may have been illegally stored or manufactured at the premises, leading to the blast.
Senior district officials reached the spot soon after the incident and conducted an inspection. A forensic team from Kanpur was later called in to examine the site in detail.
Police have registered a case against the named accused and launched a thorough investigation. Officials said strict action will be taken based on the findings.