Patna: Security was beefed up in Bodh Gaya in Bihar after two cane bombs of high intensity were found near the Buddhist pilgrimage site late Friday evening, bringing to fresh memory the 2013 serial blasts which partially damaged the sanctum sanctorum of the holy Mahabodhi temple.
Indian media reported that two cane bombs weighing 10 kg each were found at gate number 4 of Bodh Gaya temple late on Friday evening. The recovered bombs are yet to be defused, the reports added
Bodh Gaya, where the Buddha is believed to have received enlightenment in the 6th century BC, is considered the holiest of the holy land for Buddhists across the globe.
Millions of Buddhists and tourists drop in every year to offer prayers at the temple.
Security tightened
According to police, bombs were found from the vicinity of the Kalachakra ground where Tibetan spiritual guru is currently giving religious discourses and near Mahabodhi temple, prompting the authorities to tighten security around the Buddha land.
Police said the search operations were carried out after a small explosion took place at a kitchen set up at the Kaalchintan ground, causing panic among the devotees who had gathered to hear the Dalai Lama’s discourse.
“We have got significant leads about the people planting the bombs but can’t disclose at this moment as this could affect our investigation,” Bihar director general of police PK Thakur told the media on Saturday. He claimed the probe was moving in the right direction.
The explosion had taken place shortly after the Dalai Lama had completed his discourse and retired for the day at the Tibetan monastery. Reports said during the operations, a burst thermos flask was found at the kitchen.
Right now, the Dalai Lama is staying in Bodh Gaya, giving religious discourses. Keeping in view the recovery of cane bombs, the security of Dalai Lama and the Tibetan monetary, his current stay at Bodh Gaya, has been tightened.
Authorities said the vigil had also been intensified in the entire Bodh Gaya and every visitor coming here is being strictly checked.
Apart from him, Hollywood actor Richard Gere along with thousands of Buddhist devotees too are present in holy town to hear Dalai Lama and offer prayers at the Mahabodhi temple.
Reports said the recovered bombs have been dumped on the sandy beds of the river Falgu which flows by the Buddha land and the entire area has been cordoned off to ensure the explosions didn’t cause any damage to life.
The recovery of bombs has brought to memory 2013 serious blasts that had rocked Bodh Gaya. At that time, explosions were reported at some 10 places, including inside the Mahabodhi temple where Buddha had got enlightenment.
