GUJRANWALA, Aug 2: An explosion, allegedly caused by fireworks, claimed the lives of four persons, while another was injured in Ali Pur Chattha here on Tuesday. Reports said six persons were preparing fireworks at their shop, when the material caught fire and the stock exploded.

As a result, Sajid died on the spot, while Younas, Abbas, Sarfraz and Zulfiqar were rushed to a hospital, where they also expired. The condition of another injured, Ghulam Abbas, is said to be precarious at the Mayo Hospital, Lahore.

The explosion also damaged the buildings adjacent to the shop. The police have registered a case.

BOOKED: Ten more local body poll candidates were booked by police for violating the code of conduct here on Tuesday.

Reports said the aspirants were found involved in displaying banners, posters and wall-chalking. Police registered cases against the violators.

Those booked were, Khalifa Munawar Butt, Haji Muhammad Tahir, Zahid Ilyas, Dr Muhammad Amin, Asif Munir, Lala Riaz Ahmad, Javid Iqbal, Hassan Rizvi, Tariq Mehmood and Rashid Dar.

COMMITTEE: The DIG has banned payment of TA bills without verification and constituted a committee to monitor judicious use of funds.

The DIG reportedly checked the record of the payment of TA bills on Tuesday and found irregularities in its disbursement.

A spokesman said mostly police officials were withdrawing the allowance on bogus documents.

DIE OF HEAT: A man and a woman died of heat and suffocation on Tuesday.

Bilal Ashraf, 60, and Ms Shazia, 36, fainted due to hot and humid weather in their homes. They were taken at hospital where they died. The bodies have been returned to their families.

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