Bomb found at venue of Dalai Lama speech

Security forces have averted a potential disaster in the Buddhist pilgrimage town of Bodh Gaya, in Bihar, after defusing a powerful bomb planted by militants.

The bomb was one of a number planted ahead of the Buddhists’ congregation in January this year, apparently to cause major damage and loss of life.

Fortunately, another of the bombs planted exploded prematurely and the entire plot came to light. Millions of Buddhists and tourists had gathered in the town to hear discourses from Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama at that time.

Hidden in lavatory

Had all the bombs exploded as per the militants’ plans, this would have caused a major loss of life.

The recovery of the bomb comes after security agencies probing the January blast nabbed a suspected militant, identified as Dilawar Hussain. Acting on his information, the security forces brought the suspect to Bodh Gaya yesterday and unlocked a lavatory near the Kalchakra Ground — the place where the Dalai Lama was giving lectures.

The bomb was found inside, wrapped in plastic.