Mysuru witnessed panic on Christmas evening after a helium cylinder explosion near the iconic Mysuru Palace claimed one life and injured four others. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has now stepped in and will visit Mysuru to conduct an independent investigation into the incident. The agency will examine all possible angles, including sabotage, and will also look into any potential connection with the 10/11 Delhi Red Fort blast.

According to officials, an NIA team is expected to visit Mysuru on Thursday to inspect the area near the Jayamarthanda Gate of Mysuru Palace, where the explosion took place. The central agency’s involvement has drawn attention, as the case is now being looked at from multiple perspectives, beyond the local police investigation. The NIA is likely to collect detailed information related to the blast during its inspection and assess whether the incident has any wider security implications.

Investigating agencies have clearly stated that the sabotage angle has not been ruled out. The visit by the NIA has raised curiosity, especially because officials are also examining whether there could be any link between the Mysuru incident and the 10/11 Delhi Red Fort blast. While no conclusions have been drawn yet, the case is being thoroughly examined to rule out or confirm any such connection.

The person who died in the explosion has been identified as Salim, a balloon vendor. Police said that Salim was filling balloons using a helium cylinder at the time of the incident. During the investigation, it was revealed that Salim had earlier entered the Mysuru Palace premises and had taken photographs inside. Authorities are now trying to understand the purpose of his visit, how he managed to enter the palace, and when exactly he gained access to the premises.

Further inquiries showed that Salim had been staying at a lodge in Lashkar Mohalla in Mysuru for the past 15 days. Sources said that Salim and his brothers had recently arrived in Mysuru from Uttar Pradesh. Security agencies are now closely examining his background, movements, and activities during his stay in the city.

Officials have said that the investigation is being carried out from all possible angles. They are trying to determine whether Salim was only involved in selling balloons or if he was engaged in any other activity. His stay, his movements around the palace, and the circumstances leading to the explosion are all under scrutiny as part of the ongoing probe.

The explosion occurred at around 8:30 pm near the palace premises, at a time when many people were present in the area. According to initial reports, Salim was selling balloons near the Jayamarthanda Gate when the helium gas cylinder he was using suddenly exploded. The blast was powerful enough to kill him on the spot and injure four others who were standing nearby.

The injured were immediately rushed to K.R. Hospital in Mysuru for treatment. Among those injured is Lakshmi, a resident of Bengaluru, who is said to be in critical condition. Manjula, a resident of Kolkata, suffered a leg injury in the blast. Another injured person, Kottreshi, is from Ranebennuru in Karnataka. All the injured are receiving medical care, and their condition is being closely monitored.

Mysuru Police Commissioner Seema Latkar confirmed the incident and said that further investigation is underway. She stated, “At around 8:30 pm, near the Jayamarthanda Gate, a man was selling helium balloons on a bicycle. The small cylinder he used to fill the balloons suddenly exploded. The vendor died in the incident and others nearby sustained injuries. We are investigating the matter further.”

While the local police continue their investigation, the involvement of the NIA highlights the seriousness with which the case is being treated. The central agency is expected to conduct its own assessment as part of a broader investigation into the Mysuru helium cylinder explosion. Officials are focusing on understanding whether the blast was a tragic accident or if there was any deliberate intent behind it.

As the probe continues, security agencies remain alert, and more clarity is expected after the NIA team completes its inspection and analysis. For now, authorities have stressed that all angles are being examined carefully, without jumping to conclusions, to ensure that the truth behind the incident comes out clearly.