Bomb kills two as India gears up for holiday

A crude bomb exploded outside a courtroom in eastern India on Friday, killing two people and wounding 10, officials said, just days before Republic Day ceremonies that have been attacked in the past in troubled parts of the country.

The blast occurred in Arrah town in the impoverished eastern state of Bihar, parts of which have been racked by a Maoist insurgency. Both the dead were women, including a police constable.

Two criminals being brought to the court escaped in the mayhem. RK Singh, a federal member of parliament from the area, said the bomb attack appeared to have been part of an escape plan.

“Prima facie, it is a criminal incident rather than a terrorist act. These were common criminals involved in a case of murder and banditry,” Mr Singh said.

Several states in northern and eastern India are on heightened alert for the Republic Day celebrations on January 26th. The main parade will be held in the capital, New Delhi, and will be attended by US president Barack Obama.

In the past, militant groups have targeted the ceremonies in disputed Jammu and Kashmir and in the northeastern states. – (Reuters)