Two bombs found near Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya

By Lobsang Tenchoe

DHARAMSALA, Jan 20: Amidst heightened security in Bodh Gaya where His Holiness the Dalai Lama has been holding discourses since the beginning of January, police have found two bombs near gate number 4 of the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, media reports say.

Image: Network18
Image: Network18

The police have reportedly launched an intensive combing operation around the vicinity of the Kalachakra ground after a small explosion was heard around the temple complex.

“The explosion had taken place shortly after the Dalai Lama had completed his discourse and retired for the day at the Tibetan monastery,” The Hindustan Times quoted Inspector General of Police (IGP), Patna Zone, N H Khan as saying in its report.

The IGP has further said that during an intensive combing operation, a burst thermos flask was found at the kitchen which might have caused the sound. Later, the police found two bombs near gate number 4 of the Mahabodhi Temple, each weighing 10 kg.

Meanwhile, a bomb disposal squad from Patna has taken the bombs to a remote area to diffuse them and additional forces of Central Reserve Police and Bihar Military Police have been deployed in and around the temple. Investigations are on.

The Dalai Lama arrived on Jan 2 in the holy city of Bodh Gaya for a series of religious teachings and engagements spanning over 40 days. Around 50,000 disciples from across the world have gathered to attend the Tibetan spiritual leader’s teachings.

Earlier on July 7, 2013, a serial bomb blast at the Mahabodhi temple in Bodh Gaya left five people injured.

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