Two killed in Goa blast, Hindu group blamed

Two activists of a Hindu group were killed in Goa when explosives being transported in their scooter went off in a traffic jam, police said Saturday.

Two killed in Goa blast, Hindu group blamed

Two activists of a Hindu group were killed in Goa when explosives being transported in their scooter went off in a traffic jam, police said Saturday.

Elsewhere in the state, another bomb was discovered before it could explode. Police sources said the bombs were meant for a Hindu gathering to which the Hindu group, Sanatan Saunstha, bitterly opposes.

The explosion in the scooter took place at about 9.30 Friday night near the Grace Church in Margao, about 35 km from Panaji, when the scooter was on a busy road.

Although the police called it a low intensity blast, the scooter caught fire following the explosion and was burnt.

Both men riding the scooter, Malgondi Patil and Yogesh Naik, were badly injured and collapsed on the road. While Patil died in a hospital around midnight, Naik succumbed to his injuries at 9.30 a.m. Saturday.

Police said they were carrying five gelatin sticks. Authorities said the explosives were meant to go off elsewhere but exploded prematurely as the scooter got delayed on Margao's roads.

Police said the scooter belonged to Nishad Bakhle, an alleged member of Sanathan Saunstha, a rightwing Hindu group which is headquartered in the temple town of Ramnathi.

Superintendent of Police Vishram Borkar said that a second blast was averted in Sancoale, near the port town of Vasco, when alert occupants of a truck threw out a bag when they heard a clock ticking inside.

"The zipped bag contained a timer device and a few sticks of gelatine. They were diffused by our bomb disposal squad late at night," Borkar said.

The truck was carrying nearly 40 people and was headed for a 'narakasura' competition where thousands were gathered to see several giant effigies being judged for prizes and then set on fire as part of a popular Diwali tradition in Goa.

The Sanatan Saunstha, formed a quarter century ago and which has been active in the past eight years, is violently opposed to the 'narakasura' festival. The right-wing group's motto is: "Evil should be destroyed."

Goa Home Minister Ravi Naik confirmed the Sanatan Saunstha's links to the Goa Medical College near here.

Naik said police were searching the Saunstha's headquarters in the temple town of Ramnathi.

"There is every possibility of political interference. I have asked police to do their job as an independent authority," Naik said.

The minister also asked the police not to "fall prey to political interference" while investigating the case. A mobile telephone was found at the spot.

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