Two minor boys suffered injuries after a crude bomb exploded while they were collecting firewood at a litchi plantation in Malda district’s Old Baburhat village on Tuesday.

Sources said Nur Islam, 12, and Jasim Sheikh, 14, were scouting for firewood at the plantation. “As they were making piles of firewood, one of the wood pieces fell on a crude bomb and it exploded. Locals reached the spot and took the boys to a local hospital for treatment. Their condition is stable,” said a source.

During a search at the plantation, police found a plastic canister full of crude bombs and also recovered a bucket with at least six crude bombs. All the bombs were later defused.

Alok Rajoria, Malda police chief said: “We suspect some miscreants had kept the bombs at the plantation. A probe is on.” he said.