Bengaluru: A 45-year-old man was killed in a blast caused by a chemical near the residence of Congress MLA Munirathna at the posh Vyalikaval locality here Sunday, police said.
The deceased was identified as Venkatesh, a washerman of the same locality, and his body was mutilated in the explosion that took place at about 9.30 am.
Citing initial findings of the forensic experts, police said the blast was caused by a chemical used for cleaning plastic floor or plastic moulding.
".. There is nothing to be scared of.. It's a unique case.. It is restricted to a very local phenomenon," Deputy Commissioner of Police D Devaraja told reporters here.
However, he refused to either disclose the name of the chemical or how the blast occurred.
A blue plastic packet was found at the spot, he said.
The police would book a case under the Explosives Act and investigate why it was brought to that place, he added.
Bengaluru Police Commissioner T Suneel Kumar who visited the spot said, "A crater has been formed at the place where the blast took place.. A person has been killed. Our investigations are on."
Following the incident, police cordonned off the area.
Reacting to the blast, MLA Munirathna said it would be wrong to jump to any conclusion until the probe was over because it gives room for unwanted rumours.
"Let us wait for the police investigation to be completed," he added.
Munirathna also said he knew the victim's family well.