On 8 October 2025, a scooter exploded in Mishri Bazaar, Kanpur, near Markaz Masjid. Six to eight people were injured, and two scooters were damaged in the busy marketplace.
Soon after, social media accounts began spreading rumours that the blast was a terror attack.
The Twitter handle @MeraaHindustan claimed that the Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF) had taken responsibility for the explosion.
The Press Information Bureau (PIB) quickly issued a clarification.
Official fact-checks confirmed that the blast occurred due to illegally stored firecrackers.
PIB stated there was no connection to any terrorist organisation.
The bureau said, “The claim linking the blast to the Khalistan Zindabad Force is false.”
A X handle, ‘MeraaHindustan’, is falsely claiming that the Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF) has taken responsibility for the explosion near Markaz Masjid in Mishri Bazaar, Kanpur#PIBFactCheck:
➡️The explosion was caused by illegal firecracker storage and has no connection with… pic.twitter.com/B4FbxoBh5W
— PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) October 9, 2025
The accident was caused by the negligent storage of hazardous materials, not an act of terror.
Uttar Pradesh Police supported this finding. Initial investigations indicated that mishandling of firecrackers triggered the explosion.
Independent news outlets, including India TV and Business Standard, reported similar conclusions.
Authorities confirmed that the incident did not pose a broader security threat beyond the immediate hazards caused by the illegal materials.
Experts warned that false reports can have serious consequences, especially in sensitive areas.
Linking accidents to terror groups can inflame communal tensions and cause public panic.
Timely fact-checks from credible government sources play a vital role in countering misleading claims. They ensure the public receives accurate information.
The @MeraaHindustan post, which tried to connect the Mishri Bazaar blast to KZF, received minimal engagement before PIB debunked it.
Analysts noted that low-credibility accounts can spread quickly unless verified promptly by authoritative sources.
Authorities urged the public to rely on verified news and official statements following accidents or explosions.
The Kanpur scooter blast remains an unfortunate incident caused by illegal firecracker storage. There is no evidence of terrorist involvement.
This case highlights the importance of critically evaluating social media content.
Misinformation can spread fear, provoke unrest, and destabilise communities. Verified fact-checks are essential to maintain public awareness and calm.
Also Read: PIB Fact Check: Trump Did Not Confirm Pakistan Downed Seven Indian Jets
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