In Bihar, at least five people were killed and 71 injured in 7 serial low intensity bomb blasts that rocked Patna ahead of Narendra Modi’s Hunkar rally in the city today.

Police confirmed that six low intensity blasts occurred in the outer periphery of the Gandhi Maidan, the vanue of the rally, and one at the Patna railway station.

AIR Patna correspondent reports that four more live bombs have been recovered from the various spot and has been deactivated. National Investigation Agency reached the spot and began primary investigation.

Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh has condemned the blasts and appealed for calm. He spoke to Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and asked him to speedily probe the blasts and ensure that perpetrators are punished, a PMO statement said.

The Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde also spoke to the Chief Minister, report agencies.

The Home Ministry has sought a report from the Bihar government on the explosions and has sent teams of National Investigation Agency (NIA) and National Security Guard (NSG) to the state.

Union Minister of State for Home R P N Singh said that only after the investigation it will be clear whether it was a terror attack or political conspiracy.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has ordered an inquiry into the bomb blasts and cancelled his scheduled Munger and Nalanda visits. Mr Kumar called for an emergency meeting of senior police officers to take stock of the situation.