Jaipur: A mysterious explosion during Diwali caused panic in the Rajasthan State Industrial Development and Investment Corporation (RICO) industrial area of Jaisalmer, near the India-Pakistan border, officials said on Tuesday.
Incident at Marble Factory
The blast occurred late Monday night at a marble factory and is now under investigation by the Indian Army. Workers and nearby residents were startled by a loud explosion.
Factory worker Arjundas initially thought the noise was a Diwali firecracker. Upon inspecting, he noticed a hole in the tin shed roof and a small fire on the floor, which he extinguished before going to bed.
Discovery of Suspicious Object
The next morning, Arjundas found a heavy metallic object on the floor resembling a shell, with markings “51 mm” and “ILLG”. A parachute was discovered nearby, indicating the object may have descended slowly before impact.
Alarmed, he informed the factory owner, who alerted local authorities.
Army Assessment and Preliminary Observations
Kotwali Police Officer Premdan Ratanu and his team sealed the area and initiated a formal investigation. The object was secured, and the Indian Army was called in for expert assessment.
Preliminary observations suggest it may be a military illumination shell, used to light up areas during nighttime operations. Authorities are awaiting a detailed report from Army specialists.
Security Concerns and Investigation
Due to the factory’s proximity to the International Border, the incident is being treated with utmost seriousness. Security agencies are exploring possibilities such as cross-border misfire, accidental drift, or other military origins.
Residents have been urged to remain alert and report any suspicious objects or activities. The investigation is ongoing.
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