NIA team reaches Bodh Gaya, begins probe

The temple would open on Monday for pilgrims and tourists after the NIA team completes the process of collecting evidence from the site.

A National Investigation Agency (NIA) team Sunday evening began its probe into the serial blasts in the Mahabodhi temple in Bihar's Bodh Gaya town, police officials said.

"A NIA team led by an IPS officer Vikas Vaibhav began probe into the serial blasts in Bodh Gaya soon after they arrived," said an official at police headquarters here.

According to police officials in Gaya, the NIA team was expected by the afternoon but their arrival was delayed due to bad weather.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who inspected the site soon after the blasts, had announced that the NIA would conduct a probe into the serial blasts in the temple.

Meanwhile, some Buddhist monks offered prayers amid chanting of holy scriptures at Mahabodhi temple Sunday evening.

"Only Buddhist monks were allowed in to offer prayers in the temple as usual. The government has decided not to discontinue the regular prayers and worship by monks in the temple," Bihar police chief Abhayanand.

The temple would, however, open Monday as usual for pilgrims and tourists after the NIA team completes the process of collecting evidence from the site.