‘Naada bomb’ blast injures 72-yr-old woman in S’mogga dist

Shivamogga: A 72-year-old woman, Kamalamma, suffered severe hand injuries after a crude bomb, locally known as a ‘Naada bomb', exploded in Nanturu village near Agumbe Saturday.Police said the explosive, hidden inside an areca nut and used to hunt wild boars, was likely brought into the victim's courtyard by her pet dog. Mistaking it for a dried areca nut, Kamalamma tried to crush it with a sickle. The bomb exploded, shattering her fingers and causing severe burns.She was rushed to the Thirthahalli hospital for first aid and later shifted to McGann District Hospital in Shivamogga for advanced treatment Sunday. Agumbe police have registered a case.Local residents expressed outrage and alleged local involvement. They said a similar explosion had earlier occurred at the house of a man named Avinash and suspected the same group was responsible. The incident has renewed calls for a crackdown on the use of hidden explosives for animal hunting, which locals said poses a threat to villagers and wildlife.Agumbe police told TOI that poachers are active in the area. Police said Kamalamma is now out of danger and that investigations are on to identify those who manufactured and placed the explosives.