Overview
- One balloon seller died and four visitors were hurt when a portable cylinder used to fill balloons exploded near Mysuru’s Jayamarthanda Gate on Dec. 25, according to city police.
- An NIA team inspected the site on Dec. 26, while local police cordoned the area and forensic units with sniffer dogs collected evidence.
- Authorities are examining whether the blast was accidental or deliberate, with conflicting descriptions of the cylinder’s contents reported as helium or nitrogen.
- The deceased was identified as Saleem, about 40, from Kannauj, Uttar Pradesh, and police are checking his recent movements, lodging details and supply chain for the cylinder.
- Karnataka’s home minister sought a detailed report and ordered heightened vigilance at tourist venues, as the district administration weighs curbs on gas-filled balloon sales and residents question emergency response gaps.