Powerful explosion in TMC leader's house in Bengal; BJP claims bombs stored inside

The impact of the blast was so intense that a window was reportedly thrown nearly 200 metres away.

KOLKATA: A massive explosion ripped through a house in Baruipur, South 24 Parganas, leaving the structure severely damaged and triggering panic among residents in the area.The impact of the blast was so intense that a window was reportedly thrown nearly 200 metres away.Police suspect that the explosion may have been caused by a gas cylinder.However, local BJP and CPM workers alleged that a large quantity of bombs had been stored inside the house, purportedly in connection with post-poll violence.Neighbours said the house belonged to Dwijen Mondal, who had not been seen in the area since the change of government.Baruipur police and fire brigade personnel rushed to the spot after receiving information about the blast. No casualties were reported.Police sources said no explosive material had been recovered from the house so far.A forensic team is expected to visit the spot as part of the investigation.Baruipur police district additional superintendent of police Atish Biswas said, “Prima facie, it appears that the explosion was caused by a gas cylinder. An investigation is underway and all aspects are being examined.”Local residents said the force of the explosion was considerable, with three tin shutters from the house reportedly blown away and landing at a neighbouring house.The blast also caused considerable damage to the structure.Police are investigating the exact cause of the explosion and are examining whether any explosive material had been stored inside the house.