Cop killed, 16 hurt in IED blast
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 01 2014: One policeman was killed while at least 16 persons including one cop sustained injuries when a powerful blast rocked the heart of the city which understandably is also a high security zone.

The explosive is suspected to be an Improvised Explosive Device (IED).

Of all the injured victims, the security personnel and four civilians have been referred to Shija Hospital while the rest have been admitted in RIMS.

The deceased security personnel identified as M Ibotomba (34) son of (L) Irabot of Lilong Arapti succumbed to his injuries later at Shija hospitals, said sources.

The two security personnel are said to be personal escorts of Additional SP (Ops) K Meghachandra.

The blast site at MG Avenue

The incident happened today at around 7.45 pm next to a Durga Puja Pandal at MG Avenue, Gurudwara Road opposite Central Bank of India under City Police Station when a large number of people gathered at the Puja Pandal to offer prayer.

The bomb exploded in a drain, located a few metres away from the pandal.

The blast wounded 16 people including 5 minors and they were rushed to the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences for treatment.

The impact of the blast damaged some portions of the Pandal and also the wall next to the blast site.

Soon after the blast, a large number of Imphal West District police rushed to the spot and inspected the blast site.

IG (Law and Order, Range I) Clay Khongsai also arrived at the spot and inspected the blast site.

Soon after, the area was sealed off for inquest by a team of Forensic experts.

Following the blast, police closed all important roads of the city area, all the vehicles and commuters travelling along the roads were frisked and checked.

The injured persons have been identified as Thangjam Rojit (20) s/o Th Naba of Paona Bazar Governor Road, Arjun Mahato (30) s/o (L) Sukhdev Mahato of Riga Nonyantola Bihar, Vidya Lal (41) s/o Jay Ram of Bihar, presently staying at Majorkhul, Satyanaranjan Sharma (60) s/o (L) Janjure from Rajasthan, Jaylal Sahani (41) s/o Ranji Sahani from Motihari, Bihar presently staying at Paona Bazar, Ranjit Sahani s/o Mahesh Sahani of Motihari Bihar (at present Paona Bazar), Munilal Sahani (50) s/o Suraj Sahani from Begusarai, Bihar (at present Nagamapal), Priyakumari (8) d/o Rambabu Rai of Mujafarpur Bihar, her elder Sister Muskan, Neha Rai d/o Lalan Rai from Shiva District, Bihar (at present BT Road), Rakshar Shar d/o Sita Shar of Thangal Bazar, Khushi Kumari (11) d/o Lalan Rai of Thangal Bazar, Ladu Paswan (12) s/o Sogharath Paswan of Bihar, Sogarath Paswan from Bihar, Ram Vilash Rai (60) s/o (L) Julun Rai Sitamari Bihar (at present Majorkhul) and Milan, escort of Additional SP (Operation) Imphal West.

Thangmeiband A/C MLA Kh Joykishan and SP Imphal West Dr AK Jhalajit went to RIMS hospital and enquired about the conditions of all the injured persons.