Terror struck Jaipur (the Pink City) for the first time on Tuesday evening, May 13, as serial blasts killed at least 60 people and injured more than 150. Starting around 7.30 p.m. there were nine or 10 blasts within 15 minutes at six crowded places, including in the vicinity of two Hanuman temples, in the Walled City area.Rajasthan Home Minister Gulab Chand Kataria confirmed 60 dead and 150 injured though unofficial sources said the casualties could be higher.
Eyewitnesses said they could count 60 bodies in the overflowing mortuary of the City’s leading hospital, Sawai Man Singh. Some bodies were reportedly kept in the satellite hospital, Kanwatia, and a private hospital, Santokbha Durlabhji Memorial.
The blasts caused panic in the entire city while the authorities sealed off the Walled City. No traffic was allowed through its historic gates. The communication system also was jammed with mobiles not giving out signals.
The blasts outside the temples targeted the devotees who gather in large numbers on Tuesdays. One temple is at Sanganeri Gate, while the other is at Chandpole.
The Chandpole blast was said to be of less intensity while the explosion on Maniharon ka Rasta near the victory tower, Sargasuli at Tripolia, was the most powerful.
The explosions at Bari Chauper near the world famous Hawa Mahal claimed at least three lives.
One of the bombs went off near a popular eating-place, Laxmi Mishtan Bhandar, in the crowded Johari Bazar area. Another exploded near the Kothwali police station at Choti Chauper. There are also reports that at least one live bomb was recovered near Chandpole.
Initial reports suggested that the terrorists used vehicles, including a car, cyclerickshaws and autorickshaws to plant the bombs, which were detonated with remote-controlled devices.
