Kolkata: Tension gripped Khorimachan village in the Basanti area of South 24 Parganas after a class 4 student was seriously injured in a blast late on Wednesday night. The boy, Kaulu Gayen, is undergoing treatment at SSKM Hospital.
According to police sources, the incident occurred when the boy went to a neighbour's house on Wednesday. Locals claimed they heard a loud explosion around 8 pm, following which the child was found injured and bleeding. He sustained injuries to his eyes and hands.
Family members alleged that Kaulu went to the house of Anar Sekh, his uncle, after finishing his studies. "Within a few minutes, we heard the explosion. He was badly injured," said Shamima Bibi, a relative of the victim. The child was first taken to Basanti Hospital and later referred to SSKM.
Though the Gayen and Sekh families live side by side and earlier shared cordial relations, relatives of the victim claimed that tensions surfaced recently over a land-related dispute. "We are no longer in good terms. They have turned hostile over a piece of land. There must be some malicious intent behind this incident," alleged a family member.
Police said no formal complaint was lodged by either side so far. However, a suo motu case has been initiated. "The boy has injuries on his eyes and hands. "We have started an investigation on our own," said Canning SDPO Ram Mondal.
Anwar Sekh, a member of the neighbouring family, has reportedly been absconding since the child was admitted to SSKM. However, his family denied the allegations, claiming that a family function was underway at their house and several "chocolate boms" were burst, which may have caused the injury.
Police said they are examining all angles and awaiting further medical reports.