Varanasi blast: PM appeals for calm, asks for report from Home Ministry

NEW DELHI/VARANASI - The Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, has appealed to the people to maintain calm and asked the Home Ministry for a detailed report into the blast that took place at the Dashashwamedh Ghat in Varanasi on Tuesday evening.

At least 20 persons including some foreigners are reported to have been injured in the blast that took place during the ‘Ganga Arti’ ceremony.

There were no immediate reports of any fatalities in the explosion, which also triggered a stampede.Seven persons were injured of which four have been hospitalised,” said Uttar Pradesh ADG Brij Lal.

Meanwhile, the Home Ministry has described the blast as a low-intensity blast.

“According to the information that we have, it was a low intensity blast which occurred around 6.20 PM,” said Union Home Secretary G K Pillai.

“The explosion was a “medium intensity” blast,” said Secretary (Internal Security) U K Bansal.

It has been reported that that an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) was recovered from a dustbin at the site of the blast.

Further details into the incident are awaited. (ANI)