Chidambaram visits Varanasi blast site, meets injured

Dec 08, 2010 |

IANS

Varanasi

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Home minister P. Chidambaram on Wednesday visited the site of the blast here which killed a toddler and left over 20 people, including foreigners, injured. He also met those wounded in the terror strike.

Mr Chidambaram headed to the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) where several injured are being treated — straight after arriving at the Babatpur airport.

Thereafter, he visited Sheetla Ghat, where the blast took place on Tuesday. According to officials, the minister stayed at the site for nearly 10 minutes. He went to different corners of the ghat and questioned senior police officers.

While inspecting the site, Mr Chidambaram also met the family members of Swastika Sharma — the girl killed in the blast. One of the girl's family members even fell at his feet near the blast site and the minister consoled him.

Arguments took place between the police and media persons after the latter were not allowed by the authorities to meet Mr Chidambaram at the blast site. The blast took place around 6.30 pm.

During “maha aarti” watched by hundreds and sparked off a stampede. The terror group Indian Mujahideen, in an email, claimed responsibility.

Swastika succumbed to multiple splinter injuries and was pronounced dead by doctors following the deafening blast on the cemented steps leading to the holy river Ganga at the crowded Sheetla Ghat.

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