HOWRAH: A minor explosion at Belur Math triggered panic among devotees on Friday evening. No one was injured but some glass counters cracked due to the shockwave.

CM Mamata Banerjee called the monks later in the evening. Belur Math is one of the most well known pilgrim centres in the country. This is where Swami Vivekananda spent his last days. The Math was packed on Friday because it was a holiday. Ramakrishna Math and Mission assistant secretary Swami Subiranandaji said a blast was heard around 5:45pm near the shoe-keeping counter.

Devotees scattered in panic and the monks called police. Howrah police commissioner Ajey Ranade rushed to the spot with a huge force. The area was cordoned off and police combed the area for explosives. Glass panes in the vicinity were cracked. Forensic samples were collected from the spot.

Howrah DC-HQ Nishat Parvej said: “It appears to be a powerful firecracker but we are investigating all angles,” he said.

