Maoists plant fake bomb to scare voters in Gaya

GAYA: Maoists planted three fake bombs in the Naxal infested Dumaria Imamganj region of the district apparently to create panic during the polling on April 11, police said on Wednesday. As per the report, the bombs were planted at visible places and were promptly detected.

According to city SP Sushil Kumar, who is also in charge of the Naxal affected police stations of the district, the fake bombs were planted at three different points including a school gate and a culvert. The fake bombs were detected during a routine operation to uncover landmines in the region. Handwritten notes giving the poll boycott call were also found near the places where fake bombs were planted.

"The bomb disposal squad found sand wrapped under an IED cover. Earlier too, the Maoists have resorted to gimmicks to create an atmosphere of fear. Whereas IEDs were planted at invisible points, the fake bombs were deliberately planted at easily detectable points," the city SP said.

For several hours, panic prevailed in the area as the news of explosives having been planted spread fast and wide.

Confidence building measures have been taken to boost the morale of the voters as well as poll parties, said the police officer.