Grenade submitted as evidence explodes in Pak court; 3 injured

Three people were left injured in a Pakistani anti-terrorism court after a hand grenade that was reportedly submitted as evidence accidentally exploded. The blasts took place in the court where the judge was addressing a high-profile terror case, say reports. 

The grenade was among weapons and explosives recovered from a suspect against which a case had been filed in the ATC for illegal possession of explosives.

"The police had submitted some explosive material in the court as property in the case and one hand grenade went off accidentally causing injuries and panic in the court when the policeman was recording his statement," said a police official.

An investigating officer of Sindh Police from Kalakot station was presenting the grenade as case property in the ATC court-III. Eyewitnesses said a court clerk opened the box carrying the grenade which exploded inside the courtroom.

After the blast, all hearings in the terror-related case were suspended for the day.

Rescue workers shifted three injured persons from the court to a nearby hospital for emergency medical treatment.

A Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) later reached the location and cleared the courtroom of any explosives.

A probe has been ordered into the incident as properties produced in a case are usually disarmed by experts.

-Agency inputs