Jama Masjid Imam has providential escape

New Delhi, Apr 14 (UNI) The Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid, Syed Ahmed Bukhari, was barely 100 metres away from the water tank where the second blast occurred inside the 350-year-old historic mosque, this evening.

The Imam was in a room along with the members of the Jama Masjid Mushawarat Committee and was about to offer 'Asr' prayers when the first blast took place, shattering the windows of his cabin.

Immediately, he rushed out of his room and reached the site of the blast. When he was nearing the spot, another explosion took place, injuring some peole who were near the water tank, a close associate of the Shahi Imam told UNI.

However, the Imam remained undeterred and reached the victims to render a helping hand. The area was immediately cordoned off and all the main doors of the mosque were closed.

Within minutes of the blasts, police, along with bomb disposal and fire brigade personnel, reached the spot.

Earlier in the day, the Imam led the Friday prayer and addressed the congregation during which he lashed out at the perpetrators of the March 7 Varanasi bomb blasts that killed over 20 people.

UNI SMA AT HS1907