Bomb blast rips MG Avenue, 2 killed
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 15 2014: A powerful bomb blast which ripped a betel leaf godown at MG Avenue around 11 am today killed two persons and left six others wounded.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister O Ibobi has condemned the bomb blast in the strongest term dubbing the act of triggering the fatal blast as dastardly.

The bomb suspected to be an IED exploded inside the betel leaf godown located in the vicinity of Central Bank of India office and just opposite to the DTDC Courier Service.

One Naresh Sahani (30) s/o Rajinder from Bihar was killed on the spot while Joylal Shaha (40) s/o Shreecharan from Bihar but staying at Paona Bazar succumbed to injuries at RIMS in the afternoon.

Policemen at the site of the blast

The wounded victims have been identified as Bikash Sahani (15) s/o Rajinder, Surender Sahani (48) s/o Ramdarish, Sanjoy Sahani (16) s/o Rudal and Leishangthem Jilla (48) s/o late Gobardhan of Thoubal Leishangthem.

The first three victims are natives of Bihar although they have been living here for quite sometime and all of them are undergoing treatment at RIMS.

All the deceased and wounded victims came to the godown to purchase betel leaves.

Late Naresh and Bikash were brothers.

The bomb exploded inside a pile of betel leaf baskets.

It was suspected that the bomb was planted by someone who came there pretending to be a customer.

At the impact of the blast, the godown was littered with betel leaves and other articles all over and the floor was red with blood.

DGP Shahid Ahmed, IG Clay Khongsai, DIG IK Muivah and other top ranking police officers came and inspected the blast site.

Notably, one policeman was killed while 16 others sustained injuries when a bomb exploded at a Durga Puja venue on October 1 this year a little distance away from the betel godown ripped apart by the blast today.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister O Ibobi visited the injured victims at RIMS this afternoon.

Ibobi was attending a programme at 1st MR complex when the bomb exploded.

The bomb was planted by cowards and such acts of cowardice ought to be condemned by one and all, Ibobi stated.

Such disruptive acts and violence would not bring anything positive, he added.

He also announced all possible help from the side of the Government to all the families of the deceased and wounded victims.

Ibobi was accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam, MLA Dr Ng Bijoy and DGP Shahid Ahmed.

Meanwhile the bodies of the two victims have been deposited at RIMS mortuary for post mortem even as a case has been registered at City police station in connection with the blast.