Red alert in Goa after bomb blast kills one

Margao (Goa), Oct 17 (ANI): Goa has declared a red alert after explosives carried on a scooter by two men went off, killing one and critically injuring the other, in Margao town last night.

According to police sources, the blast triggered at around 9.30 pm and gutted three vehicles.

"Two men identified as Malgondi Patil and Yogesh Naik, who were carrying the bagful of country made explosives were reportedly riding a scooter when the blast occurred. Both were immediately taken to Goa Medical College hospital and Patil succumbed to his injuries, while Naik is in a critical condition," sources said.

As per preliminary information, police said that the people carrying the explosives were from Maharashtra.

"It appears to be that they are from outside the state? They appear to be from Maharashtra," said Allen De Sa, Superintendent of Police, Goa.

The blast took place near the Grace Church in Margao, where a religious event was being held during which effigies of a mythical demon, Narkasur, were brunt to celebrate the victory of good over evil.

As per reports, police linked the blast to a right-wing Hindu organisation named Sanatan Sanstha, which has its headquarters in the temple town of Ramnathi in Ponda region of Goa. (ANI)