Assam | Massive blast near 'Guwahati Central' mall in Guwahati

Guwahati, May 15, 2019:

A massive blast has been reported from the locality near Guwahati Central mall situated in Zoo Road locality in Guwahati city of Assam's Kamrup (M) district.

As per reports, five persons have been injured in the blast. It is being reported that the condition of two of the persons who have been injured is very serious. It is being reported that security personnel have also been injured in the blasts. Two SSB jawans have also been injured in the blast which rocked the area. Two CRPF jawans and SSB jawans have also been injured, reports said.

The injured have been admitted to GMCH hospital in Guwahati.

Moreover, splatters of blood were seen on the road near the site of the incident which has sent shockwaves across the region.

The blast has created a situation of panic and people were seen running helter-skelter as soon as the shockwave of the blast ripped through the region.

Police personnel are now monitoring the situation closely and investigations are underway to determine the miscreants behind the blast.

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This is one of the biggest blasts since the serial blasts which rocked the city in 2008. The 2008 Assam bombings occurred on 30 October 2008, before noon in markets in Guwahati city and the surrounding area. Reports indicated as many as eighteen bombs went off, causing at least 81 deaths and 470 injuries.

The explosions in Guwahati ripped through Pan Bazar, Fancy Bazar and Ganeshguri localities, which were crowded with shoppers and office goers. Three blasts occurred in Kokrajhar, with another possible grenade explosion; one in Bongaigaon and two in Barpeta Road. Indian media outlets pointed out that the blasts took place just after the Diwali holidays making the blasts even more unexpected and adding to a toll count.

The bomb at Ganeshguri was planted in a car and took place about 100 meters from Chief Minister of Assam Tarun Gogoi's official residence.

DGP Kuladhar Saikia has, meanwhile, reached the site of the blast to take stock of the incident.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has condemned the incident. Meanwhile, the United Liberation Front of Assam-Independent (ULFA-I).

More to follow.