Ten persons injured, four critically; Muslim residents allege deliberate targeting and neglect of their safety amid rising communal tensions in the country
KANPUR — A powerful explosion outside a mosque in the Mishri Bazaar area of Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday evening sent shockwaves through the community. Ten people were injured as two parked scooters exploded under suspicious circumstances, officials said.
The explosion revives the painful memories of the blast near a mosque in Malegaon in Maharashtra 17 years ago.
The Mishri Bazaar blast occurred around 7 pm near two scooters parked beside the Bisatkhana mosque, in the busy Moolganj police station area. Witnesses said the explosion was so loud that it could be heard several streets away, shattering glass windows and bringing down parts of shop ceilings.
“I was closing my shop when I heard a deafening sound. The next thing I saw was smoke, fire, and people crying for help,” said Mohammad Mursalin, a 25-year-old bag shop owner who sustained injuries on his arm.
The explosion left ten injured, including Suhana, a teenage waste collector from Beconganj, and Raisuddin, a 35-year-old jewellery craftsman from West Bengal. Four of the wounded are in critical condition and have been transferred to hospitals in Lucknow.
Dr NK Yadav, the Chief Medical Officer at Ursula Hospital, confirmed: “Eight patients were admitted to our hospital. Four were referred to Lucknow due to their serious condition. Two have been discharged after treatment, and two remain under observation.”
Soon after the blast, police, Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), and forensic teams cordoned off the area. Explosive experts examined the debris, while sniffer dogs searched for further evidence. Officials suspect that both scooters contained explosive materials, though they have yet to confirm whether the devices were meant as bombs or for manufacturing firecrackers ahead of Diwali.
However, the scale of destruction has led many to believe the explosion was no mere accident. “If this was just about firecrackers, why would it blow apart shops and damage the mosque walls? This looks like a planned attack,” said Abdul, a 24-year-old sports goods shop owner who narrowly escaped the blast.
Police have yet to identify the owners of the two scooters. A senior officer said: “We are tracing the registration numbers and examining CCTV footage from nearby shops. Nothing can be ruled out at this stage.”
The incident has reminded many of the 2008 Malegaon blast, in which six people were killed outside a mosque during Ramadan prayers. The explosion, caused by a bomb planted in a motorcycle, was later traced to members of the extremist organisation Abhinav Bharat.
Among those accused were former BJP MP Pragya Singh Thakur and Lt Col Prasad Purohit, both of whom were later acquitted by the NIA court. Yet, for many Muslims, the pain and distrust have never faded.
“The same pattern is repeating itself — a mosque, an explosion, and then a long, twisted investigation that ends up blaming no one,” said retired schoolteacher Haji Imran Khan. “Every time Muslims are the victims, justice is delayed or forgotten.”
Muslim residents in Kanpur have expressed deep anger and fear, accusing authorities of downplaying incidents that target their community. “If this had happened near a temple, there would have been arrests by now. Why is there always silence when it’s us?” questioned Shahid Alam, a social worker from Beconganj.
Local leaders have demanded a transparent and time-bound inquiry. “The government must treat this not as a minor incident but as a threat to public safety. People are scared to even send their children to the market,” said Advocate Farzana Rehman, who volunteers with a legal aid group.
The mosque committee has also urged unity and calm among Muslims, warning against rumours. “We appeal to everyone to stay peaceful and wait for truth to come out. But authorities must act swiftly,” said Maulana Sajid, the imam of the Bisatkhana mosque.
Human rights observers have pointed out a disturbing pattern in recent years — blasts or acts of violence occurring near Muslim localities, followed by weak investigations and forgotten victims.
“It’s not just about one explosion — it’s about the growing insecurity among Indian Muslims,” said Delhi-based rights activist Arif Javed. “The Malegaon case set a precedent of political interference in terror investigations. Kanpur must not become another chapter of injustice.”
Residents say they now live in fear that similar incidents could recur. Shopkeeper Mohammad Arshad remarked, “Every festival season now feels unsafe. We used to celebrate Diwali with our Hindu neighbours. Today, everyone is scared of what might happen next.”
As the investigation continues, the Muslim community in Kanpur remains anxious and watchful. With no arrests yet and conflicting statements from officials, the call for truth grows louder.
“We have seen enough blood and tears. We want justice, not sympathy,” said Mursalin, his bandaged hand trembling.
For now, Mishri Bazaar stands half-closed, its charred walls and broken windows a grim reminder of a night that shook faith and raised questions about equality and safety in India.
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X Photo: Powerful explosions in 2 parked scooters near Markaz Mosque rocks Kanpur.
