Good evening folks, a chilling incident rocks Puglia's Salento region: an explosive device detonated overnight outside the home of Mario Romano, 75, former Puglia regional councilor in Matino. No injuries reported, but the blast wrecked his front door – investigations now circling the ongoing "Re Artù" healthcare corruption probe.
Overnight Attack: What We Know
Around 1:00 AM on SP55 toward Taviano, intruders vaulted the perimeter wall of Romano's villa. They planted the device against the main entrance, triggered it remotely, and vanished into the night.
Damage: Front door obliterated, window frames shattered, interior furnishings impacted
Lucky Escape: Family inside unharmed; Romano himself alerted authorities
Response: Matino and Casarano Carabinieri plus bomb squad swiftly on scene
The site remains cordoned off, CCTV footage under review. Experts are analyzing explosive residue to ID the type and power.
Mario Romano's Profile: Salento Political Veteran
A Democrazia Cristiana stalwart from the '60s, Romano built a long career serving his community:
Local Level: Matino councilor, councilor, deputy mayor through the '90s
Regional Role: Joined Puglia Regional Council in 2017 (Popolari list) via substitute for Totò Negro
Professional Background: Former regional government executive
Respected locally, yet recently shadowed by legal troubles.
"Re Artù" Probe: Healthcare Corruption Spotlight
Launched July 2022 by Guardia di Finanza, the investigation exposed alleged:
Charges: Corruption, illicit influence peddling
Scheme: Job promises in Puglia's health service exchanged for cash
Key Players: Romano alongside local politicians and ASL managers
Status: Trial ongoing with indictments upheld
Blast Connection? Authorities exploring all angles, timing raises eyebrows.
Investigation Update: Every Lead Pursued
🔍 CARABINIERI: CCTV analysis + witness statements
🔍 BOMB SQUAD: Explosive forensics
🔍 PROSECUTORS: "Re Artù" context review
Possible motives? Political payback, healthcare grudge, organized crime warning, or local rivalry? Lecce prosecutors lead the charge.
Community & Official Reactions
Matino Mayor: "Cowardly act – full solidarity with Romano"
Local Politicians: Stunned, urging caution on speculation
Residents: Growing unease – "We don't feel safe anymore"
Puglia's healthcare graft case grabs national attention.
Heavy situation demands swift answers. Is this "Re Artù" blowback or unrelated feud? Will Romano speak out? Can Salento regain security? What's the prosecutor's next move? Share your thoughts below – alarmed, outraged, or trusting justice? Head to the FULL original Italian article on the blog for complete details – link in description/comments! 📰🚨
Sources Checked
LecceNews24: Villa blast reconstruction
Corriere Lecce: No injuries confirmed
LecceCronaca: Technical ordnance details
Quotidiano di Puglia: Romano background
READ FULL ARTICLE: 👇
https://commenta-la-notizia.blogspot.com/2026/02/bomba-matino-ex-consigliere-romano.html
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