PM appeal for calm after Varansi blast
TIA/ AMN
VARANASI/ NEW DELHI/ LUCKNOW: An innocent girl child was killed and about 20 others including four foreigners were injured in a bomb explosion and stampede that followed the blast in Varanasi on Tuesday evening. Unconfirmed reports hints that about 25 people are injured and four of them are in serious condition.
The incident happened at Sheetala Ghat under Dasha Shwamedh Ghat police station area.
The explosive was kept under besiege of stones on the stairs of the ghat. Official sources said, the blast took place at Dashashwamedh ghat on the bank of the river Ganga at about 6:30 PM when thousands of devotees and the foreign tourists had assembled at there for having darshan of the Ganga Arti.
Eye witnesses said that they saw blood-soaked remains scattered outside a temple.
The blast occurred shortly after an elaborate evening prayer by the river which is usually attended by hundreds of people, including tourists
In Lucknow Additional Director General of Police (ADG)– Law and Order, Brijlal said : "Anti-terrorist sqauds and a bomb disposal squad have been rushed to the site."
Quoting IG Varansai the ADG said that the bomb was placed in some cavity. The rest is being verified. All top Varanasi district and police officers are on the spot. ADG said that there was no laxity as the state was already on alert due to Babri Masjid demolition anniversary.
Though some Tv channales are runnig the story that Indian mujahdeen has claimed the responsibilty of blast however the neither the state nor the central governemtn has confirmed the report. Their officals said that probe is going on in the balst.
Home ministry has asked all the states to keep vigil on anti social elements following the blast.
The Prime Minister has expressed concern over the report of blast in Varanasi. He has appealed to countrymen to remain calm and maintain peace. According to an official spokesperson, he has asked the Home Ministry for a detailed report on the blast. Meanwhile, the Union Home Secretary G. K. Pillai has assured all Central help to the UP government to cope with the emerging situation.