NEWS

Twin blasts at Bangalore IPL venue create scare

By Vicky Nanjappa
April 17, 2010

Two explosions rocked Bangalore minutes before the Indian Premier League match between the Royal Challengers Bangalore and the Mumbai Indians on Saturday. One explosion took place near the gate 12 of the Chinnaswamy stadium while the second blast occurred near the Anil Kumble circle close to the stadium.

Follow live updates of the situation here

At least 14 people, including four police personnel and a security personnel, were injured in what was earlier described as a generator blast.

Commissioner of Police, Bangalore city, Shankar Bidri told media persons that both the explosions were of low intensity and there was absolutely no cause for panic.

Immediately after the news of the explosion broke out, the players were asked to return to the dressing room. The police then carried out a second round of anti sabotage operation. Bidri, however, said that-anti sabotage operations were carried out within the stadium yesterday and such an operation is usually not carried out outside the stadium.

He said additional forces have been pressed into service and the forensics team is already at the spot conducting their job.

Even as investigations continue, sources told rediff.com the blasts were not aimed at causing any destruction, but it was solely aimed at creating panic.

Eye-witnesses claimed there was a loud sound and at first they thought it was a transformer explosion.

The state intelligence agencies say that there was a general alert that was issued a day prior to the match to both the Karnataka police and the Karnataka State Cricket Association. Home Ministry officials say that it is too early to comment on any of that and that they have sought a report of the incident following which they will be able to comment further. 

Vicky Nanjappa

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