Confiscated grenade goes off in Baramulla court, cop injured

SRINAGAR: A confiscated grenade kept in a storehouse of Baramulla’s district court complex went off accidentally Thursday, leaving a constable injured .

The constable has been admitted to hospital and is stable, officials said. The explosion in the malkhana -- where weapons and other items of evidence are stored -- occurred on a day J&K high court ’s Chief Justice Tashi Rabstan was to visit the court complex. His trip was subsequently cancelled.

Forces rushed in and secured the area, launching an investigation and combing operations. Police assured the public the situation was under control and urged them not to believe in rumours circulating in the aftermath of the explosion. “We request the public to remain calm and not pay attention to any misinformation. Our team is investigating the matter and there is no reason for alarm,” a police official said.