5 persons dead and 83 injured in eight serial blasts between 9 am to 5 pm in Patna near in and around Gandhi Maidan where BJP's PM Candidate Narendra Modi was scheduled to convene a public meeting.

It was “Hoonkar Sabha” like Garjanas in AP.  First blast happened a 9 am at the Railway Station where BJP leaders and supports reached in large numbers in 18 trains.  But the danger was averted as they have already reached the venue by that time.  The railway station is situated in 2 kilo meters from the venue.  All other blasts took place in the surrounding of the Gandhi Maidan.  The last bomb blasted at 5.10 after the meeting was over.

Six blastings took place two in the compound and four outside in 10 minutes time.  The people attending the meeting were got scared but no stampede took place.  In the meanwhile Modi entered the venue and the commotion subsided.  

Bomb squad entered the scene and found two more bombs planted in the venue.  While the bombs were defused by the Bomb Disposal Squad, a policeman was injured.   Alarmed by the incident, Union Home Ministry sent NIA and NSG squads immediately to Patna.  Home Ministry officials said that one more bomb was found in the venue after a thorough check by the bomb disposal squad.  

Four persons were arrested in the case one of whom was running from Patna Railway Station.  He admitted that he conducted rekki in the place.  All bombs were country made that were carried in bags.  It came to light in the investigation that total 11 persons from Ranchi were responsible for the incident.

Narendra Modi spoke for one hour on the occasion but did not mention about the bombs in his speech.  The Government of Bihar announced a compensation of Rs.5 lakhs to the family members of the deceased in bomb blasts.  

-SriJa