LPG leak led to explosion in temple: Police

Preliminary investigation has revealed that leakage of LPG triggered explosion in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple at Banashankari on Sunday night.

The incident took place at Durga Parameshwari Temple on 14th Cross in BSK second stage, at about 9.30 pm. Mahesh Bhat, the priest, had kept a 14.5-kg cylinder in the sanctum sanctorum to prepare prasadam. He had not turned off the regulator properly and the sanctum sanctorum has no ventilation. Bhat had lit a candle before locking the door. The explosion occurred as a small quantity of gas leaked and there was no ventilation, H S Revanna, Deputy Commissioner of Police (South), said.

A major tragedy was averted since there were no inflammable material near the cylinder, he added.

Local residents rushed to the temple after they heard a loud sound. The intensity of the explosion was so severe that the doors and grills of the sanctum sanctorum were damaged and walls developed cracks. A case of accidental fire has been registered.

Man held for matricide

HAL police have arrested Lakshman 34, a labourer on the charge of murdering his mother Muniyamma (55).

According to the police, Lakshman, son of Muniyamma, told her on the night of November 25 that his friend Subramani had a gold chain worth Rs 20,000 and was ready to sell it for Rs 5,000. Since Subramani was drunk and unable to walk, he was awaiting them at the end of the lane of 8th cross, he said and requested her to accompany him to buy the chain, the police said.

Muniyamma, who wanted to buy the chain went with her son. On reaching the spot, Lakshman asked Muniyamma to wake up Subramani and ask for the chain. Muniyamma sat near Subramani and tried to wake him up. Lakshman allegedly hit her on the head with a hollow brick. Subramani woke up after hearing her cry and joined Lakshman in attacking Muniyamma. The duo robbed the jewellery she was wearing and fled, the police said. They were hiding at Mulbagal in Kolar district after the incident. The police, who collected some leads, arrested them.