Ram Janmabhhomi trust chief injured in blast

By Our Special Correspondent

LUCKNOW, MAY 15. The Ram Janmabhoomi Trust acting chairman, Paramhans Ram Chandra Das, and ten others, including two security personnel, sustained injuries in an explosion near the Faizabad District Hospital today.

As reports reached the State capital, an alert was sounded asking district officials monitor the situation. The Paramhans has been an important leader of the Ram temple movement at Ayodhya and the incident could have communal overtones.

According to the Principal Home Secretary, Mr. V.K. Mittal, the explosion took place at around 6 a.m. when the Paramhans stepped out of the hospital for his morning walk.

The explosive is stated to have been placed inside a steel container tied to a bicycle. Some copper wires found later suggested that it was triggered off by remote control or timer device.

Besides Mr. Ram Chandra Das, ten others sustained splinter injuries. He was injured in his leg and was discharged after receiving a few stitches. Others also suffered minor injuries, Mr. Mittal said.

Services of the National Security Guards and the Central and State intelligence agencies have been requisitioned to investigate the exact nature of explosion. The Additional Director General of Police, Law and Order, Mr. Guneshwar Jha, has been asked to coordinate the investigation. The IG, Security, Mr. Vikram Srivastava, rushed to Faizabad. Four additional companies of the Provincial Armed Constabulary have been rushed to the spot.

Several shops and business establishments remained closed in twin cities of Faizabad and Ayodhya to a strike call given after news of the explosion spread.

The U.P. BJP president and Minister for Irrigation, Mr. Om Prakash Singh, said that the incident could be a pre-planned conspiracy but facts would be known only after a proper inquiry.

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