Karnataka: Two bombs found in bus

Madikeri (Karnataka), Feb 28: A major tragedy was averted in the town after two incendiary bombs found in a KSRTC bus in Somwarpet were thrown out immediately after being detected. According to reports, "two beer bottles filled with petrol, sealed in a box wrapped in a newspaper and connected to a firecracker and then to an incense stick, were found under seat number 5 of a Madikeri-bound KSRTC bus operating from Harihar".

When the bus halted at Somwarpet in the evening, the bombs were detected by a student. The student had boarded the bus to go to Aigoor. On noticing smoke emanating from the incense stick beneath the seat, he immediately informed the bus driver Nagaraj and conductor Harish. The bus conductor immediately threw the bombs outside and also removed the incense stick and informed the police.

However, there were no other passengers in the bus.

According to police sources the 'maker of the bomb has good knowledge of chemistry.' "We have recorded the statements of the bus driver, conductor and passenger," the police was quoted saying. However, it is difficult to identify the suspects at this point," sources informed.

Reports suggest that 'fingerprint experts and sniffer dogs have been pressed into service'. Also the newspaper in which the bombs were wrapped would be a vital clue.

Oneindia News