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Cop among 3 hurt in lighter fluid canister blast near Shivajinagar court

The incident took place around 2.30 pm near Gate Number 3 of Shivajinagar Court, police said.

Cops investigating the suspected explosion of lighter-gas filling canister at a roadside food stall near the gate of Shivajinagar court in Pune on Thursday. (Express Photo)

Three persons including a policeman sustained burn injuries in a suspected lighter fluid canister explosion at a roadside food stall near Shivajinagar Court in Pune on Thursday afternoon. The incident took place around 2.30 pm near Gate Number 3 of Shivajinagar Court, police said.

Police have identified the injured persons as Govind Ankushe (42), Santosh Sonawane (37), and police naik Nilesh Darekar. Police said Ankushe is a labourer, Sonawane was operating the food stall, and policeman Darekar is attached to the Wakadi police station of Pimpri Chinchwad police.

After receiving information about the incident, a team from Shivajinagar police station of Pune city police went to the spot to investigate.

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“Initial probe suggests that the roadside food stall had a gas canister used to refill lighters. It seems that the canister was placed near the gas stove used to fry food items. The canister is believed to have exploded suddenly, possibly due to the heat from the stove. The cook at the stall, the owner, and a police constable who were having food there sustained injuries.” Said Inspector Chandrashekhar Sawant.

“All three have sustained burns to the face and hands, and were treated at a hospital. The injuries are not very serious in nature. The process of lodging an offence in this is on and further investigation is being done,” Sawant added.

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