BAGH (Kashmir English): Authorities in Azad Jammu and Kashmir have rejected social media claims describing a deadly gas cylinder explosion in Pandi, Bagh district, as a grenade attack by police, maintaining that preliminary evidence points to a domestic accident.
The incident occurred at a residential house while food was being prepared, resulting in injuries and casualties among women. The tragedy plunged the area into mourning, with residents expressing solidarity with the affected family.
According to an official account, preliminary evidence and observations at the scene indicate that the incident was caused by a gas cylinder explosion. Officials have also urged residents to use standard-compliant gas cylinders to prevent similar accidents.
Allegations of Misleading Social Media Campaign
An official statement accused the proscribed Action Committee of exploiting the tragedy for political purposes by allegedly portraying the domestic gas cylinder explosion as a grenade attack by Azad Kashmir Police.
The statement said misleading claims were circulated on social media, potentially creating hostility towards state institutions and spreading confusion among residents.
It rejected allegations of a police attack and described the social media campaign as an attempt to politicise a tragic incident.
Forensic Investigation and Post-Mortem Controversy
The official account further stated that government forensic experts should be allowed to examine the scene to establish the exact cause of the explosion.
Medical professionals should also be permitted to complete necessary legal and medical procedures, including post-mortems, to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
However, the statement alleged that Action Committee leaders were obstructing forensic teams from investigating the incident and preventing doctors from conducting post-mortems.
It described the alleged obstruction as a serious hurdle to establishing the facts and ensuring transparency in the investigation.
Deputy Commissioner Appeals for Safe Gas Cylinders
Meanwhile, the Deputy Commissioner of Bagh has appealed to residents to use standard-compliant gas cylinders and take necessary safety precautions to prevent domestic accidents.
Authorities have stressed the importance of allowing forensic and medical experts to perform their duties so that the actual cause of the tragedy can be established through proper investigation.
The incident has also renewed concerns about domestic gas cylinder safety and the spread of unverified claims on social media during sensitive situations.
