JAISALMER, Nov 9 – A defence training exercise in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer district caused panic on Saturday when part of a missile fired from the Pokhran Field Firing Range fell near Bhadariya village, about 500 metres outside the range limits, officials said.
According to defence sources, the missile strayed from its target during a scheduled military drill, landing close to the Lathi area. The impact triggered a loud explosion that startled residents in nearby villages.
Villagers reported hearing a powerful blast and initially feared a major mishap. “It fell within the field firing range. It was during the routine exercise,” Lathi SHO Rajendra Kumar said, confirming the event occurred as part of a regular Army operation.
Teams from the Army, Air Force, and local police quickly reached the location, secured the area, and retrieved the missile component. The debris was later taken back to the range in a pickup vehicle for further inspection, officials said.
Authorities said no one was injured and no property damage was reported. The military has begun an internal review of the incident to determine the technical cause of the deviation.
