Bengaluru, Jan 23: Congress MLA N A Harris, who sustained minor injuries in a suspected explosion, on Thursday demanded that the police thoroughly investigate the matter because the object that exploded was not a firecracker as it had ball-bearings inside it.

According to Harris' son Nalapad, the incident occurred at about 9.30 pm when the MLA was addressing a gathering in the city organised by party workers.

"Someone threw an explosive at him which exploded with a great noise. Somehow, my father escaped. In this incident, three others were injured," he said.

He was taken to a private hospital where the doctors kept him under observation for about 12 hours and later discharged him.

A family member said Harris sustained injuries in his leg and received stitches.

Speaking to reporters after coming out of the hospital, Harris said "The object that exploded was not like a (fire) cracker. It was round-shaped with ball bearings in it.

We have seen crackers as we celebrate Diwali but this was not a cracker. The Forensic Science Laboratory team has taken a sample."

The MLA said the state Home minister has spoken to him and he has faith in the police.

"We want to know the motive behind it," he said.

The congress leader said he can't recall having any enemy but this incident has scared him.

Harris said Karnataka Home Minister Basavaraj Bommai, former chief minister Siddaramaiah and other Congress functionaries called on him and inquired about his well-being.

Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.



Lakhimpur Kheri (UP) (PTI): Ten people were killed when a van collided head-on with a truck on the Sisaiya-Lakhimpur national highway on Monday, police said.

The van was going to Sisaiya from Lakhimpur when the accident took place between Unchgaon and Bharehta villages.

Circle Officer of Dhaurahra, Shamsher Bahadur Singh, said all nine passengers travelling in the van and the driver were killed.

District Magistrate of Lakhimpur Kheri Anjani Kumar Singh told reporters that the van collided with a truck coming from the opposite direction, leading to nine casualties on the spot, while one succumbed to injuries at the district hospital.

Circle Officer, Dhaurahra, Shamsher Bahadur Singh told PTI, "Efforts are on to establish the identity of other deceased persons."

The seven of the deceased have been identified as Jaideep Singh (25), Pawan (23), Sohan (21), Ram Goyal (42), Sahajram (35), Pappu (18), all residents of Bahraich district and Adnan Khan (15), a resident of Lakhimpur Kheri district, police said.

Condoling the loss of lives in the accident, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in a post on X, said, "The loss of life in the unfortunate road accident in Lakhimpur Kheri district is deeply distressing and heart-wrenching. My condolences are with the bereaved families."

"I have directed the local administration to provide prompt and adequate assistance to the injured and the victims. I pray to Lord Shri Ram to grant the departed souls a place at His divine feet and to bestow a speedy recovery upon the injured," Adityanath said on X.

Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak too condoled the loss of lives in the accident.

"The loss of lives resulting from the road accident in Lakhimpur Kheri district is deeply tragic and heart-wrenching. My deepest condolences go out to the bereaved families," Maurya said.