NIA to probe Mahabodhi temple blasts, says Nitish Kumar

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar Sunday said the National Investigation Agency (NIA) would conduct a probe into the serial blasts in the Mahabodhi temple at Bodh Gaya town, and the CISF would be deployed for fool-proof security in the area.

"The NIA will probe the serial blasts in the Bodh Gaya temple. An NIA team is reaching Bodh Gaya Sunday afternoon to begin the probe," Nitish Kumar told reporters after conducting an inspection of the blast site.

The chief minister, expressing sorrow and shock at the blasts, said that he would request the central government to deploy the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) for temple security.

"CISF is the top security force and suitable to protect the Bodh Gaya temple," he said, adding that in view of the serial blasts, the government would heighten security in the area.

The Bihar chief minister said the temple would open again soon for pilgrims and tourists, and added that local police had already begun investigations.