IED blast at Rajouri firing site kills child, injures four others

Srinagar | Updated: 02 January, 2023 12:17 pm IST

Security personnel inspect the blast site in Rajouri, Jammu.

A day after suspected terrorists shot dead four people in Jammu’s Rajouri, the home of one of the victims was rocked by a powerful IED blast that killed a child and injured four others on Monday.

“A blast has taken near the house of the first firing incident. Five persons are injured. One child has succumbed to injuries, and another is critical. Media personnel are requested to be cautious,” said the additional director general of police (ADGP) Jammu, Mukesh Singh.

The deceased minor has been identified as 4-year-old Vihan Kumar. The injured persons are: Kanaya Sharma (14), Kamlesh Devi (55), Sharda Devi (38), Samiksha Devi (20), Samiksha Sharma, Vanshu Sharma (15), and Sanvi Sharma (5).

The officer further said: “Another suspected IED spotted which is being cleared. (My)self with the divisional commissioner and IG CRPF are reaching the spot.”

The powerful blast broke the window glasses of several houses.

He said that all were shifted to Government Medical College (GMC), Rajouri for treatment. However, one of the injured, a child, succumbed to injuries.

“Strongly” condemning the “cowardly terror attack”, lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha said, “I assure the people that those behind this despicable attack will not go unpunished. My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families.”

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“An ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh and a government job would be given to the next of kin of each of those civilians martyred in the dastardly attack. Seriously injured would be given Rs 1 lakh. Officials have been directed to ensure the best treatment to the injured,” he informed.

Photo from the blast site in Rajouri, Jammu.

Meanwhile, Islamic Welfare Organisation has called for a bandh on Monday against the UT and Central government for its failure in protecting innocent lives.

Gunmen opened fire near a temple of Lord Ram and a higher secondary school in Dangri village of Rajouri district at around 7:15 pm on Sunday, creating panic among locals.

As many as 13 people were injured in the firing. They were rushed to GMC, Rajouri where four of them succumbed to bullet injuries, said medical superintendent Dr Mehmood.