Bengaluru, Dec 28: A woman was killed and three persons were injured when an improvised explosive device (IED) exploded on the crowded Church Street at 8.35 p.m. on Sunday.
The deceased woman, hailing from Chennai, was identified as Bhavani Devi (38). The injured persons were identified as Karthick, Sandeep and Vinay. While Sandeep and Vinay were admitted to HOSMAT Hospital, Karthick and Bhavani Devi were shifted to Mallya Hospital.
No organisation has claimed responsibility for the blast so far.
Director-General and Inspector-General of Police Lalrokhuma Pachau said that there were intelligence reports about terror strikes in the city in the light of Christmas and New Year. However, it was not specific to Bengaluru.
˜We have certain leads'
City Commissioner of Police M.N. Reddi told presspersons that œwe have certain leads that the police could not disclose at the moment. œIt appears like an act of terror essentially to cause panic and fear, he said.
The IED wrapped in a piece of cloth was placed behind an ornamental flower bush in front of Coconut Grove, a popular joint on the Church Street. The injured were pedestrians who were passing by. People ran helter-skelter after the blast while some others thought was a fire cracker burst. One of the persons injured was even thrown to a distance of over five feet, eyewitnesses said.
Laudable act
An alert auto driver, Narasimha, swung into action and shifted a critically injured Bhavani Devi and others to the Mallya Hospital immediately. Dr. Kanchan Sanyal, medical superintendent of Mallya Hospital, announced that Bhavani (38) died at 10.45 p.m. owing to shrapnel injuries on the head. She was bleeding profusely when she was brought to the hospital. Doctors tried to stop the bleeding and administered CPR, but could not save her life.
Her relative, Karthick, was expected to undergo a minor surgery for injuries on Monday morning.
Police cordoned off the entire area clearing vehicles parked on the street and scouring for any unattended objects in the vicinity. Additional Commissioner of Police B. Dayananda, in-charge of Forensic Science Laboratory, said that they have recovered remnants of the explosive material and the pellets used in making the bomb. He confirmed that it was an IED but said that its composition was still being investigated. Sources in the Police Department said that the IED was timer-triggered.
Additional police forces have been deployed across the city and a high alert has been sounded. Security has been tightened in all exit points of the city.
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, who spoke to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on phone following the incident assured the State government of all necessary help and assistance. Mr. Siddaramaiah is rushing back to Bengaluru from Mysuru tonight.
Union Minister for Law D.V. Sadananda Gowda, who visited the spot, condemned the incident assuring of all Central assistance. State Home Minister K.J. George said that anti-national elements were behind the blast and none would be spared.
Chief minister Siddaramaiah, who arrived from Madikeri to his residence in Mysore, said, "I am going to to Bengaluru right now. George is in Mumbai, he is leaving now." The chief minister didnt even step inside his house.
"I condemn the Sunday night incident on Church Street. The aim seems to spoil the mood in the city which is gearing up for New Year celebrations.
High alert has been declared across the city and extra police forces have been deployed in public places including bus stations, railway stations and airport. Special teams have been formed to nab those involved in the incident.
Alert will be maintained in other major cities in the state. Public are requested not to fall prey to any rumours," Siddaramaiah said.
Meanwhile, Union home minister Rajnath Singh is said to have held telephonic talks with Siddaramaiah and took stock of the situation.
Comments
Add new comment