Palakkad, Kerala: A 10-year-old boy and an 84-year-old woman were injured after the boy threw an explosive found outside a school in Vadakkanthara, Palakkad district on Wednesday.
Police said the explosives were discovered near the school gate around 3:45 pm. The boy, Narayanan, picked up one device and threw it to the ground. The device exploded, causing minor injuries to him and the nearby elderly woman, Leela.
School authorities and residents quickly alerted the police. Officers later found four more explosives stored in a bucket near the school. Both injured individuals were taken to a hospital and are reported to be in stable condition.
Palakkad North police have registered a case under:
- Section 3(a) of the Explosive Substance Act – causing an explosion likely to endanger life
- Section 4(a) of the Explosive Substance Act – keeping explosives with intent to endanger life and property
- Section 75 of the Juvenile Justice Act – cruelty to children
A team led by a Deputy Superintendent of Police is investigating the case. CCTV footage has been recovered, and police are trying to identify those who placed the explosives near the school.
Political leaders have reacted to the incident. BJP leaders alleged a major conspiracy, CPI(M) leaders mentioned possible links with local organizations, and the Congress party called for a detailed investigation.