Two killed in Bengal's Jalpaiguri as mortar shell carried by floodwaters explodes
The bodies of the three persons bore marks of injuries apparently made using sharp knives, officials said. (Representational image)
KOLKATA: At least two persons were killed and four injured in West Bengal’s Jalpaiguri district as a mortar shell, reportedly carried by the floodwaters of Teesta river, exploded, police said.
Police believe that the mortar shell belonged to the Army and was carried away by floodwaters flowing down from the hills following the cloudburst and flash floods in Sikkim on Wednesday.
Police said the identities of the two killed in the blast are yet to be ascertained.
"The four injured persons have been admitted to hospital. A thorough probe has started," a senior police officer said.
Local police sources said the victims possibly tried to physically inspect the mortar shells carried to the area by the floodwaters when it exploded on Thursday night.
"The condition of a couple of the four injured is extremely critical and the death toll might increase," police said. PTI SCH MNB