Ludhiana: A 14-year-old boy was killed during Diwali celebrations in Punjab’s Akalgarh village in Ludhiana district on Sunday night after a multi-shot firecracker exploded unexpectedly, police and family acquaintances said.The victim, Sakit Mittal, also known as Gagan, was bending close to the firecracker to light another one after the first failed to go off around 10 pm. The initial firecracker suddenly exploded, causing severe injuries to his neck.Family members took the Class IX student to a local private hospital, where doctors declared him dead.The family had gathered at the residence of Sakit’s uncle, Raj Kumar Mittal, for customary prayers at his newly built house before the incident occurred.Police said no criminal investigation will be launched at the request of the family.“The family informed police that they do not wish to pursue the matter and the body has already been cremated,“ said sub-inspector Rajwarinderpal, SHO, Sudhar police station.Sakit was cremated at the village cremation ground around 2 pm on Monday, with his father lighting the funeral pyre.
