60 killed in serial blasts in Jaipur

Jaipur, May 13 (UNI) At least 60 people were killed and several injured in seven powerful serial blasts which rocked different parts of the walled city here this evening.

Home Minister Gulab Chand Kataria has confirmed that 60 people have died and around 150 injured.

State Government Spokesman and PWD Minister Rajendra Singh Rathore said that more than 72 people were injured and were admitted at the SMS Hospital here.

Health Minister Narpat Singh Rajvi said arrangements for treatment of the injured were also made at the Santokhba Durlabhji Hospital and Sanganeri Gate Mahila Hospital.

According to police sources, the blasts occurred at seven places while the live bomb was defused at one place.

The blasts went off in short intervals between 1935 hrs and 1945 hrs near religious places in Chandpol, Hawamahal, Sanganeri Gate, near City Kotwali, Maniharon Ka Rasta, Manak Chowk Khanda and LMB Hotel Johri Bazar areas.

At least three blasts took place near religious places where large number of devotees were present to offer obeisance in the evening.

The nature of the bombs and explosives could not be ascertained immediately.

Most of the bombs were planted in vehicles, including cars, autorikshaws and cyclerikshaws.

Panic gripped the entire walled city after the blasts and rampage broke out as people started running helter skelter for their homes.

Shopkeepers closed their shutters in panic in the walled city market.

The Rapid Action Force has been deployed at various points in the city as a precautionary measure.

Roads leading to the scenes of the blasts were sealed off and people were advised to stay indoors. There were traffic jams at several points.

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