Cuttack: A havildar died when firecrackers, seized by police, went off while being defused on the banks of Kathajodi river in Cuttack on Friday.
The deceased havildar has been identified as Pradip Kumar Malick.
According to sources, Mallick was a resident of Jagatpur Andeisahi in Cuttack. He served 24 years in the Commissionerate Police. Of late, he joined the bomb squad team of Reserve Police.
Mallick died as firecrackers exploded while trying to defuse seized firecrackers near Kathajodi embankment. Mallick was rushed to SCB Medical College and Hospital in an ambulance. He, however, succumbed to burns. Mallick body will be handed over to his family after post-mortem, said a police official.
Meanwhile, senior police officials and a scientific team reached the accident site to probe whether the SOP was being followed.
“A scientific team has reached the place to ascertain the reason behind Mallick’s death. An unnatural death case has also been registered. It was firecrackers which exploded not a bomb. A detailed investigation will be initiated,” maintained Additional DCP Anil Mishra.
