Ludhiana, Nov. 10 -- A 14-year-old boy was killed after a firecracker exploded near him during Diwali celebrations at New Abadi Akalgarh, situated along the Ludhiana-Bathinda highway.

The deceased, identified as Sakit Mittal, alias Gagan, was the only son of Pradeep Mittal and the grandson of local businessman Suresh Kumar Mittal. The tragic incident plunged the family, kin and the entire locality into mourning.

According to information, the family had gathered at the newly constructed house of Suresh Kumar Mittal's elder brother, Raj Kumar Mittal, to perform a Diwali puja. During the celebrations, Sakit attempted to light a large firecracker, but it failed to explode. A short while later, as he bent down near the unexploded cracker whi...