IMPHAL, October 1: A policeman was killed and over 20 civilians injured when a powerful Improvised Explosive Device (IED) exploded at a crowded place at Mahatma Gandhi Avenue late this evening.
The incident site is just about a stone`™s throw from the City Police Station.
Reports said that the explosion occurred around 7.55 pm when people were thronging a Durga Puja pandal in the area.
The deceased policemen has been identified M Ibotomba from Lilong Arapti an escort of the additional SP Ops Meghachandra. The police team were reportedly on foot patrolling in the area.
Another constable of the escort team was also said to be injured identified as A Milan, 30, of Bishnupur Kwasiphai. He sustained multiple splinter injuries and is presently hospitalised at Shija Hospital.
The bomb was planted at the gate of the entrance leading to the pandal set up in the area by blocking the road between the shop of Jagatmal Ajitkumar and Delhi motors.
Hundreds of devotees including women and children had converged at the pandal, when the bomb exploded.
According to bomb expert, the IED was detonated using a remote device.
The intensity of the blast was so powerful that it inflicted injuries to over 20 persons most of them non-locals besides destroying sections of the arrangement of the pandal.
The exact figure of the injured could not be confirmed till the filing of this report as the injured were evacuated to different hospitals in Imphal.
Sources claimed that the death toll may rise with the condition of around five persons said to be critical.
Soon after the incident a team of police led by IG (LO-I) rushed to the area and took stock of the situation.
Meanwhile speaking to media persons, a member of the organising committee of the Durga Puja Pandal denouncing the attack informed that they will go ahead with their pooja ceremony.
Who is behind the attack is yet to be known as no individuals or militant groups has claim responsibility till the filing of this report.
Meanwhile, miscreant exploded a hand grenade at the residence of a Pradhan of the Phayeng Gram Pachayat leaving one person injured today at Phayeng Paragon under Lamsang Police station.
Reports said that the incident occurred around 5.50 pm. The bomb exploded at the premises of the residence.
The Pradhan has been identified as Angom Gojendro Singh, 38, son of late A Tonu Singh of Phayeng Paragon while the injured is said to be the mother of the Pradhan identified as Angom ongbi Thanil Devi, 68.
She sustained splinter injuries on her belly and left leg and being hospitalised at RIMS.
The Lamsang Police team investigated the explosion and registered a case.
