Bagalkot SUV Blast Triggers Panic, No Explosives Found So Far, Police Probe All Angles

A powerful blast involving a parked Mahindra XUV300 outside a wine shop at Hipparagi village in Bagalkot district late on Saturday night extensively damaged the vehicle, overturned it, and hurled vehicle parts several metres away.

The explosion triggered panic among residents and the vehicle owner, who initially feared it was a bomb blast. Police said preliminary investigations have found no evidence of explosives and suspect the explosion may have been caused by a technical fault in the vehicle. However, a detailed inquiry from all angels is being conducted.

The incident occurred at around 10.45 pm outside a Wine Store. Hanumath, the owner-cum-manager of the shop, parked the SUV in front of the shop at around 4.30 pm and remained there until the explosion.

"I parked the vehicle around 4.30 pm. At about 10.45 pm, when I was about to leave, there was a sudden blast. During the blast the SUV went up and overturned when it fell. Parts of the vehicle were scattered in different places," Hanumath told reporters.

He said he was preparing to leave for home when the explosion occurred.

Following the incident, the police team led by Bagalkot Superintendent of Police Siddharth Goyal rushed to the spot.

SP Goyal said the vehicle had remained under continuous CCTV surveillance from the time it was parked until the explosion. "We have examined nearly six to seven hours of CCTV footage. No suspicious person was seen approaching the vehicle. Three people came near the area around 9.45 pm, but they were customers and were verified and nothing suspicious was found," he said.

He said the bomb disposal squad, anti-sabotage team and SOCO officers conducted a thorough examination of the vehicle and the surrounding area. "No explosive material or any indication of a bomb has been found. As of now, a technical fault involving the battery or engine appears to be a possible cause, but the exact reason will be known after a detailed examination and inquiry," he said.

Police are also probing all other possible angles, including whether the incident was targeted. According to sources the police questioned Hanumath and he has not expressed suspicion against any specific person.

Appealing to the public not to panic, Goyal said there was no evidence so far to suggest that the explosion was caused by an explosive device.

"People need not be scared. We are investigating every angle, but at present there is no material indicating the use of explosives," he added.

While some nearby buildings are said to have sustained damage in the blast, a motorcyclist passing by at the time of the incident reportedly suffered a minor scratch on his right leg.