Two dead, 20 injured in Malegaon blast

Nashik, Sep 29 (UNI) Two people were killed and 20 others injured in a blast in Malegaon town of the district today.

According to police sources, the blast occured at Anjuman Chowk area near Nurami Masjid. Though the exact nature of the blast is not yet known, police earlier said it was an LPG cylinder blast. Police also did not rule out the possibility of a low intensity crude bomb blast. The device was kept on a motorcycle, they said.

This flared up tension in the communally sensitive town known for its powerloom industry. People indulged in heavy stone pelting, the sources said. They burnt a police outpost in the area and damaged some police vehicles.

Police resorted to lathi charge and later fired in air to control the mob. More than 20 people, including eight to ten policemen were injured in the stampede following the blast. The number of injured as well as dead may go up, the sources said.

Police have sealed the area and barricades have been placed at all places, they said.

The situation continues to be tense but under control, they added.

UNI GB AM UCS0023