Tension in Noida as attempt made to plant bomb

Noida, Uttar Pradesh, May 18 (UNI) Tension gripped the city today after the news about a bomb allegedly being planted near a Gurdwara here came to light.

According to sources, two men in the garb of human suicide bombs entered a shopping complex, Vishal Chambers, in Sector 18 here. The duo demanded money from a shop owner and threatened to blow themselves up if their demand was not met.

The shopkeeper alerted the security in the complex and raised an alarm, following which people tried to get hold of the duo. Fearing they would get caught, the duo made an attempt to run away. One of them fled while the other was caught.

Before being trapped, the two men threw the bomb wrapped around them towards the Gurdwara, 20 km from here.

They were later handed over to the police. One of the accused has been identified as Vinod.

Superintendent of Police (Noida) Vijay Yadav said Central investigating agencies were interrogating the accused.

''Fortyone Battalion of PAC has called a bomb disposal squad,'' he added.

The accused were in an inebriated condition. During questioning, Vinod revealed that he was reeling under debt and hence he decided to take the extreme step, the SP added.

The police have cordoned off the area and resorted to mild lathicharge to disperse the crowd gathered around the Gurdwara.

Shopkeepers downed their shutters following the incident.

UNI