A Muslim man died after he was attacked with an iron rod filled with gunpowder on Diwali night in Ghaziabad’s Link Road police station area.
The deceased, identified as Afzal, was severely injured by the blast and was taken to a hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
A video of the incident has surfaced, showing Afzal walking past a group of people who were bursting firecrackers. One of them lit an iron rod loaded with gunpowder (sulphur and Potash), and threw it behind Afzal, causing a loud explosion.
Afzal fell unconscious to the ground and died on the spot. The CCTV footage of the incident has also been obtained by the police, who have registered a case of culpable homicide against the accused, Pradeep.
According to the police, the incident happened around 11 p.m. on Diwali night, when people were celebrating the festival.
The police said that the impact of the blast was so powerful that the heavy iron rod hit Afzal’s head and leg, causing severe blood loss. He was rushed to a hospital but could not be saved.
The police said that Afzal was a native of Jharkhand and had been living in Ghaziabad for several years. He lived alone and was unmarried. His parents’ details are not known yet. The police contacted his relatives in Jharkhand through some neighbours and informed them about his death.
“There was no criminal offence involved in the incident, and it was just an accident,” said Ghaziabad Link Road police.
However, they said that if Afzal’s family files a complaint, they will take action accordingly.
The police have formed a team to arrest the accused, Pradeep, who is currently absconding.
