President Mukherjee condemns serial blasts at Mahabodhi temple in Bihar

President Pranab Mukherjee has expressed his anguish and deep concern over the serial blasts which have occurred in the Mahabodhi temple, venerated by Buddhists across the world at Bodhgaya in Bihar today.

Condemning the blasts as a senseless act of violence targeting innocent pilgrims and monks who had gathered to worship at this temple dedicated to the great apostle of peace - Goutama Buddha, President Mukherjee has conveyed his prayers for the speedy recovery of those injured in the blasts.

He also called upon people to maintain calm and restraint as well as cooperate with the authorities in bringing the perpetrators to justice.

Eight serial explosions rocked the internationally renowned temple town of Bodhgaya, including four in the Mahabodhi Temple complex, injuring two monks in the blasts suspected to be engineered by some terrorist organisation.

While four blasts took place inside the Mahabodhi Temple complex, three occurred in Karmapa monastery, one each near the 80-ft Buddha statue and at the bus stand near bypass. The blasts took place between 5:30 to 5:58 a.m.

The injured have been rushed to the Magadh Hospital for treatment.