Three hurt as detonator goes off in ATC hearing

Karachi

A detonator, part of a case property, went off at an anti-terrorism court in Karachi on Monday while a trial was under way, the explosion injuring three people.

There were initial reports that a grenade had exploded at the ATC No III when a policeman had accidently pulled out its pin but then DIG South Dr Jameel clarified that a detonator kept inside a glass utensil and carrying a very small amount of explosive material had caused the explosion.

A court clerk and police officials were injured in the blast.

The DIG said the judge had asked for the detonator to be presented in the court on the defence counsel’s request.

Abid Ansari, an investigating officer from the Kalakot police station, brought the explosive device to court.

As per routine, explosive devices are disarmed and checked before they are presented in a court. However, the detonator was not disarmed as per the standard procedure and the chief secretary has ordered an investigation into the matter and sought a report.

An eyewitness said a court clerk opened the utensil carrying the detonator which exploded inside the courtroom.

The clerk and two policemen standing nearby were injured in the explosion.

They were taken to the Jinnah hospital. The bomb disposal squad later reached the court for investigation.

The DIG said a grenade was among the weapons and explosives seized from a suspect against whom the trial was under way at the time for possession of illegal weapons.