Bodh Gaya: 1 bomb was kept high on a Buddha statue

Bodh Gaya (Bihar), July 9: One of the bombs that exploded at the Bodh Gaya temple compounds on early Sunday morning was planted 20-feet high, on a statue of Gautam Buddha, forensic analysts said on Monday.

The experts, although ruled out use of RDX in the blasts, said the preliminary examination suggested that ammonium nitrate was used in the bombs. The nature of the bombs used in Bihar was similar to those used in Jaipur, Pune and Ahmedabad blasts over the last few years. The Indian Mujahideen is allegedly behind the Bihar blasts.

The experts added that 150-200 grams of ammonium nitrate were used in each of the bombs and ball bearings and nails were used as splinters in gas cylinders in which the explosives were kept. The explosives were detonated by analogue timers set at 5.30 am, the investigators said.

Two Buddhist monks were injured in the first-ever attack on a holy site. The explosions triggered a massive political fight between various political parties with some even raising communal angles over it.

NSG experts examine the blasts site

NSG experts collect samples in and around the Mahabodhi temple in Bodh Gaya on Monday.

Mahabodhi temple entry

The Mahabodhi temple on Monday morning. It was opened later in the day following a special prayer.

Buddhist monks offer prayers

Buddhist monks offer prayers for peace in a Sri Lankan temple in Bodhgaya on Monday, a day after the blasts.

NSG and NIA experts collect samples

NSG and NIA experts collect samples at Mahabodhi temple in Bodh Gaya on Monday, a day after the blasts.

A Buddhist priest carries holy water

A Buddhist priest carries holy water and honey to perform prayers at the Mahabodhi temple in Bodh Gaya on Monday.

Buddhist monks offer prayers

Buddhist monks offer prayers at Mahabodhi temple in Bodhgaya on Monday.

Buddhist monks offer prayers

Buddhist monks offer prayers at the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya on Monday.

Buddhist monks with Muslim members

Buddhist monks with representatives from the Muslim community hold placards at a Buddhist temple in Kolkata on Monday to condemn the ahabodhi temple serial blasts.

CRPF jawans guard the Mahabodhi temple

CRPF jawans guard the Mahabodhi temple premises in Bodh Gaya on Monday.

Workers clean the blasts site

Workers clean up the site of blasts at Mahabodhi temple premises in Bodh Gaya on Monday.

Buddhist monks offer prayers

Buddhist monks offer prayers for peace under the Bodhi tree at the Mahabodhi temple in Bodh Gaya on Monday.

A Buddhist monk offers prayers for peace

A Buddhist monk offers prayers for peace near the site of bomb blast at Mahabodhi temple in Bodh Gaya on Monday, a day after the blasts.

Buddhist devotees participate in a protest

Buddhist devotees protest against the Bodh Gaya serial blasts in Leh on Monday.

OneIndia News