An autorickshaw driver was killed when his vehicle exploded near Military Pharma at Camp area here on Sunday morning.

The deceased has been identified as Abdul Gafoor. The autorickshaw was blown into pieces in the blast.
Based on the autorickshaw’s registration number, the owner has been identified as Girish Killekar of Shettigalli. Mr Killekar as well as Gafoor’s family members identified the body.

Police rushed to the spot immediately when they heard the blast sound. By then the auto and its driver were completely charred. The reason for the blast is not yet known.

Belgaum police have already contacted officials of forensic laboratories in Bangalore, Mangalore and Pune. Forensic experts are expected to arrive here on Monday.

Gafoor was running the auto on rent during night and Killekar during the day.

It is not known whether it was a terrorist attack or an accident. The fact that the blast occurred within 10 yards of military quarters and pharma has led to suspicion.