Authorities beefed up security in Bodh Gaya, a sacred land for Buddhists, shortly after two improvised explosive devises (IEDs) were found near the Mahabodhi Temple on Friday evening. An NIA team arrived on Saturday to take up investigation in the case. A forensic team from Patna was also in Bodh Gaya to investigate the matter, officials said.
The IEDs were found near the gate of Mahabodhi Temple and Kalchakra Ground, the place where Dalai Lama is camping these days along with thousands of other Buddhists who arrived at their sacred land to hear the spiritual Tibetan leader’s discourses. According to police, the discovery was made during a search operation.
Reports said the search operation followed shortly after a minor explosion took place in a kitchen set up at Kalchakra Ground. However, it was understood to be enough to make devotees suspect greater danger.
Police said the devices recovered were not defused but packed in aluminium containers have and taken to the banks of nearby Falgu river. The area from where the IEDs were recovered bombs was cordoned off, police said.
“We are happy to inform that major incident have been averted owing to police alertness. No we are investigating into the case,” Bihar’s additional director general of police SK Singhal told newsmen on Saturday.
Gaya district magistrate Abhishek Kumar Singh said the administration had taken the recovery of bombs seriously and was scanning CCTV footage to identify suspects.
He said that security around Mahabodhi Temple and all Buddhists monasteries and temples had been stepped up, adding that the visitors are also being advised to give information on any other article they found suspicious.
It may be recalled that in 2013 serial blasts had rocked Bodh Gaya.
They had taken place at 10 places, including the Mahabodhi Temple where Buddha had received enlightenment.