BATHINDA BlAST
The death toll in Maur Mandi blast on Wednesday reached five as the two children, injured in the car explosion that took place on Tuesday evening, succumbed to their injuries.
Three persons were killed on Tuesday in the explosion near the poll campaign venue of Congress candidate Harminder Singh Jassi at Maur Mandi.
Police said that ten people had sustained injuries in the explosion, which is suspected to be an “act of terrorism” and comes ahead of the February 4 polls.
“Two children identified as Ripandeep and Japanpreet in the age group of 14-15 succumbed to burn injuries sustained in the car explosion,” said a police official posted in Bathinda.
Three passers-by, who were killed in the blast a day before, have been identified as Harpal Singh (55), Barkha (7) and Ashok (35), the police said.
The blast had occurred around 8:30 pm on Tuesday shortly after the “jan sabha” of Congress candidate Jassi, who is contesting from Maur Assembly seat.
Jassi, who is a relative of Sirsa-based Dera Sacha Sauda head Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, escaped unhurt in the incident.
As per the preliminary probe, the blast had occurred in a car which was found to be stolen and was bearing the registration number of a two-wheeler. The chassis and engine number of the vehicle was also removed, the police officials said.
The blast was so powerful that it ripped apart the vehicle. Initially, it was suspected that the blast was caused by a lPG cylinder in the car. But later it was found that the car was not running on gas. A burnt pressure cooker was also found near the blast site.
Jassi reportedly sustained minor injuries, not sure from the blast or because of the melee that ensued. He was reportedly administered anti-anxiety medicine by doctors at his residence.
His driver, Vikram, had stated that the explosion occurred when they were leaving the venue of the road show. “Our vehicle has also been damaged…Jassi is safe but in shock,” he had added.
Political slugfest began after the blast with all the political parties accusing the other ahead of the polling date of February 4.