Two low-intensity bombs went off at Bangalore’s Chinnaswamy Stadium at 3.45 pm today, barely 45 minutes before the start of an IPL (Indian Premier League) match, leaving five security men injured and creating panic among spectators. A third bomb was found near Gate No. 8 of the stadium, but was defused.
City Police Commissioner Shankar Bidari said the blasts were of low-intensity and the type of injury to the security men were minor in nature. “Four policemen and one private security guard have been injured in the blasts and the nature of injuries are minor.”
“The explosive material was hidden in a plastic bag and placed near the wall adjacent to Gate No 12 of the stadium.”
Bidari said the reason of the blast was yet to be ascertained and forensic experts were summoned to look into it. Sniffer dogs and bomb squad officials were also pressed into service to avoid any further eventualities, official sources said.
The blast triggered panic among the spectators, who had come in large numbers to watch the IPL match between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Mumbai Indians. The match, scheduled to begin at 4 pm, started at 5 pm.
The explosions took place a day after the US State Department issued a travel advisory stating that the US government continued to get information that terrorist groups might be planning attacks in India.
According to security officials, Islamist militant groups from Pakistan have threatened to carry out attacks during the ongoing domestic cricket league, involving foreign players from many countries, and ahead of the Common Wealth Games.
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While law and order is a state subject, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the parent body of IPL, also makes security arrangements at every match venue. “We are looking at this situation and will take appropriate steps,” said Niranjan Shah, vice-chairman of IPL.
Last year IPL was shifted to South Africa after players expressed concerns over security in the aftermath of 26/11 terror attacks. In February, 17 people were killed when a powerful blast rocked a restaurant in Pune.