Student detained after explosion, bank fires in Russia’s Tula region

A student detonated an explosive device and set fire to two bank branches in Tula, Russia, on June 16, according to reports.

The incident was first reported by the Telegram channel Mash, which stated that two bank offices caught fire, with one of the blazes accompanied by an explosion.

Later, authorities said a student from a local university was detained on suspicion of carrying out the arsons.

According to the Russian Interior Ministry’s regional directorate for Tula Oblast, the 20-year-old suspect admitted during questioning that he had acted under the influence of third parties.

“During operational-search activities, police detained a 20-year-old resident of Tula on suspicion of committing the crime. (...) According to the detainee, he carried out the act under the influence of third parties,” the statement said.

The fires were extinguished, and no injuries were reported. Authorities are currently deciding whether to open a criminal case.

By Vugar Khalilov