MT Desk: Panic spread in villages near Pokhran Field Firing Range in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer district after a part of a missile fired during a defence exercise veered off target and landed about 500 metres from Bhadariya village in the Lathi area.

According to Kshmir Media Service, residents reported hearing a loud explosion that triggered fear across nearby villages. Local police and Army and Air Force teams rushed to the site, cordoned off the area, and recovered the missile fragment, taking it back to the firing range.

SHO Rajendra Kumar described the incident as part of a “routine exercise.”

Observers say the mishap underscores the inexperience of concerned quarters in handling sophisticated military hardware, recalling past incidents when an Indian missile crossed into Pakistani territory. On 9 March 2022, India accidentally fired a BrahMos missile originating from Ambala, Haryana that crashed into Mian Channu, Khanewal District, Punjab, Pakistan.

Analysts warn that repeated lapses in safety protocols not only endanger civilians but also heighten regional tensions, raising questions about accountability and operational oversight in defence exercises.