It was an act of terror and not accidental, said DGP Karnataka on Sunday regarding the fire incident that broke out in an autorickshaw on Saturday.
After the incident, the auto driver and a passenger sustained injuries and were admitted to the hospital on Saturday.
Taking to his Twitter handle, the DGP tweeted: “It’s confirmed now. The blast is not accidental but an ACT OF TERROR with the intention to cause serious damage. Karnataka State Police is probing deep into it along with central agencies.”
On Saturday, soon after the incident took place, the police officials rushed to the spot.
The police are still probing the reason behind the fire and the investigation is underway.
Karnataka Home Minister Araga Jnanendra also suspected it to be a terror-related incident.
Citing the incident Karnataka Home Minister said that the state police have launched an intensive investigation into the auto-rickshaw blast incident that took place in Mangalore.
The minister said, “Along with the state police, central investigation teams will also join hands. The investigation will proceed swiftly. Persons injured in the act are being given good treatment.”
Earlier on Saturday, Commissioner of Police (CP) of Mangaluru City N Shashi Kumar said, “At around 5 pm today, an auto rickshaw caught fire in the Kankanadi Police Station area. The reason behind the fire was a bag being carried by a passenger riding in the auto. The auto driver and passenger sustained burn injuries and have been admitted to the hospital.”
CP Kumar further appealed to the local people not to believe any rumour.
“Forensic Science Lab team has been called to probe the reason behind the fire. The public should not pay heed to any rumours,” he said.
(With inputs from ANI)