Varanasi: Blasts in temple and Cantonment Rly station

Varanasi, Mar 7: At least six people were killed and more than 30 injured as two blasts ripped through the crowded Sankatmochan Temple and Cantonment Railway station here this evening (Mar 7, 2006).

The Authorities have a sounded a 'red alert' throughout Uttar Pradesh in the wake of the blasts. Police officials have not ruled out the blasts being the handiwork of terrorists.

The first blast took place at the temple, where scores of people were present to offer prayers to Lord Hanuman, the temple's presiding deity, as today was Tuesday.

The police confirmed the death of four people at the temple.

The entire area has been cordoned off and the injured were being rushed to hospital.

Most of the injured had received injuries on their legs and abdomen.

Initially, police were still unsure if the blast was due to a bomb or an exploding cylinder in a 'mithai' shop within the complex.

A cylinder kept at the shop, which prepares 'laddus,' could have exploded, police sources said.

As police and fire personnel were busy evacuating people from the temple, another blast rocked the holy city -- this time at the waiting room on platform number 1 of Cantonment railway station. The station was being evacuated.

Railway sources confirmed that two persons were killed and 13 others injured in the blast.

Meanwhile, Principal Secretary (home) Alok Sinha, DG PAC Bua Singh, IG STF Jagmohan Yadav and SSP STF S K Bhagat have rushed to Varanasi.

In Delhi, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh condemned the twin blasts in the holy town and appealed to the people to maintain calm. Dr Singh said the government was making all efforts to deal with the situation. He urged the people to maintain peace. Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil spoke to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav and discussed the situation following the twin explosions.

Meanwhile, authorities in the national capital have also sounded a 'Red Alert.'

UNI