Howrah, 2 December (H.S.): Just a month after a seven-year-old boy was seriously injured in Birbhum, another bomb blast has struck Howrah. A 10-year-old boy was injured in a bomb blast while playing in Bodhan Mistry Lane (Ward 10) in Howrah on Tuesday afternoon. The boy has been admitted to Howrah Hospital in critical condition.

According to local sources, the boy was playing with his friends in front of their house. A short while later, his mother heard a loud explosion. Upon coming out, she saw her son lying on the ground, covered in blood. The boy suffered serious injuries to his right hand and right eye. The intensity of the explosion was so strong that it is feared that a finger may have been blown off.

A resident said, We were at home when suddenly there was a very loud noise. It wasn't like a normal firecracker. I heard one of the child's fingers was blown off.

The police have launched an investigation at the scene. Senior Howrah City Police officers also arrived at the scene. A police officer said, Some children were playing. A firecracker-like object exploded when it was set on fire. A child was injured; the injuries are being investigated.

BJP councillor Sajal Ghosh made a scathing accusation, saying, It is foolish to seek the safety of ordinary people in this state. The police cannot shirk responsibility by calling it a firecracker.

Trinamool Congress spokesperson Tanmay Ghosh said, This is a very serious matter. The culprits, regardless of their party affiliation, should be severely punished.

Notably, last month, a 7-year-old boy in Birbhum was seriously injured in a bomb blast while playing in front of his house. His fingers were blown off. This new incident in Howrah again raises questions about the security arrangements of the administration and police.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey