In Bihar, at least 5 people were killed and 83 injured in 7 serial low intensity blasts that rocked Patna ahead of Narendra Modi’s Hunkar rally in the city today. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said that six low intensity blasts occurred in the outer periphery of the Gandhi Maidan, the venue of the rally, and one at the Patna railway station. Addressing a press conference in Patna Mr. Kumar said that the serial blasts were an attempt to disrupt law and order in the state. Chief Minister ruled out any political conspiracy and said that Bihar has no history of political confrontation. Nitish Kumar denied any security lapses and said there was no advance intelligence warning in this regard. AIR Patna correspondent reports that four more live bombs have been recovered from the various spots and have been deactivated. He says National Investigation Agency reached the spot and began priliminary investigations. Chief Minister Nitish has ordered an inquiry into the bomb blasts and cancelled his scheduled Munger visit. After the meeting with senior officials Mr Kumar said that appropriate security arrangements were made for the rally. CM has announced ex gratia of rupees 5 lakhs to the families of the deceased and free treatment for the injured persons. State DGP Abhyanad said that Improvised Explosive Devices were planted in the blasts. He said that police found some documents related to the blasts, but cannot reveal their contents now for the sack of investigation. All political parties have condemned the blasts.
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.
