A powerful explosion early Saturday morning created panic in the Paikpara area of North Kolkata after a blast occurred inside an abandoned club building near Dum Dum. The incident happened around 6 AM, sending shockwaves through nearby residential buildings.
Explosion in Abandoned Club Building
According to initial reports, the explosion occurred in a long-abandoned club located in the Ganguly Bagan area of Paikpara, a neighbourhood in northern Kolkata. The force of the blast was so strong that tin roofs were blown away and landed on the roof of a nearby four-storey building. Window panes of surrounding houses were also damaged due to the impact.
Residents said they suddenly heard a loud explosion in the early morning, after which smoke and fire were seen coming out of the building.
Fire Brigade and Police Rush to the Spot
Soon after the blast, locals informed the authorities. Fire brigade teams and police personnel quickly arrived at the location to control the situation and secure the area. The fire that broke out inside the club building was brought under control.
Later, the bomb squad and sniffer dogs were also deployed to search the premises. During the investigation, officials reportedly found explosive materials and crude bombs inside the abandoned club building.
No Casualties Reported So Far
Despite the intensity of the explosion, no injuries or casualties have been reported so far. However, the building suffered significant structural damage and nearby houses were affected by the blast wave.
Authorities have cordoned off the area and advised residents to stay away from the site until the investigation is completed.
Locals Raise Security Concerns
Residents of the area claimed that the club had remained closed for several years. Some locals alleged that unknown individuals may have been using the abandoned building to store bombs or explosives.
Police from the local station have launched a detailed investigation to determine how the explosives were stored inside the building and who was responsible. Bomb disposal teams are also checking whether more explosives remain at the site.
The incident has raised fresh concerns as it comes at a politically sensitive time in West Bengal with the state assembly elections approaching. Investigators are examining all possible angles behind the blast.