Kolkata, 07 March (H.S.): A series of explosions in a closed club in Paikpara area of north Kolkata early on Friday morning triggered panic among residents. The incident occurred in Gangulipara Lane at around 6:11 a.m., when loud blasts shook the neighbourhood.

The impact of the explosions was so strong that the tin roof of the club was blown off and landed on the roof of a nearby multi-storey building.

According to local residents, at least five loud explosions were heard in quick succession. When people rushed to the spot, they found that the club’s door and tin roof had been blown away and flames were seen inside the damaged structure. Alarmed residents immediately informed Chitpur Police Station, following which police rushed to the scene. Bomb squad and dog squad teams were also deployed to conduct a thorough search of the area.

Locals claimed that the building where the explosions took place earlier housed a club, which had remained closed for the past six to seven months. They alleged that there had been disputes over property development in the adjoining area. Some residents suspect that bombs may have been stored in the abandoned club premises in connection with the dispute.

The incident has also raised questions about security in the locality. Residents have demanded increased police deployment and installation of CCTV cameras around the club premises.

The police have launched an investigation into the incident. With the West Bengal Assembly elections only a few days away, the explosion in the heart of Kolkata has heightened concern among residents.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey