Maharashtra peace activist 'escapes' parcel bomb attack

Alarm bells were set off when a parcel intended for well-known Pune-based peace activist Sanjay Nahar exploded late on Tuesday at a courier delivery centre in adjoining Ahmednagar district, officials said here on Wednesday.

The incident occurred around 10 p.m. on Tuesday when a staffer was handling the courier package received at the Maruti Courier Co in Maliwada area of Ahmednagar.

The packet suddenly exploded with a deafening sound which was audible in neighbouring buildings and at least two staffers who were sorting it were injured in the blast.

Top police officials rushed to site to investigate and on Wednesday it transpired that the explosive parcel was addressed to Nahar, who runs the NGO, 'Sarhad' which works among Kashmiri children and students.

The Maharashtra Police, National Investigation Agency and the state Anti Terrorist Squad have launched investigations into the 'parcel bomb' blast.

Besides, the Military Intelligence of Indian Army's Southern Command and concerned officials in both Pune and Amednagar districts where the army has a significant presence are also looking into the matter.

"We are investigating The police is trying to get details of the sender of this parcel and the motives," a top police official said, of the incident, which happened around 120 kms away from Nahar's Pune office.

A team of officials called on Nahar and offered him security, especially since he works with youth from Kashmir, the North-Eastern states, other border regions and even helping to develop people-to-people contact with Pakistan since he launched 'Sarhad' in 1995.

However, he has declined the police offer, an aide said.

"The officials termed the matter as serious. However, I have absolutely no idea who could have sent this parcel or their motives," Nahar said in brief reactions to the media before going for a meeting with the police this evening.

According to preliminary investigations, the blast was caused by an Improvised Explosive Device with a circuit to trigger the explosive chemicals in it.

--IANS

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