No one was injured in the firecracker blast that took place on the premises of the Gorakhnath temple in Gorakhpur at 8.15 pm on Sunday.
Gorakhpur MP Yogi Adityanath, a BJP member and mahanth (head priest) of the temple, was present in the residential area of the shrine when the blast took place.
Special director general (law and order) Brij Lal said, "Nothing incriminating was found at the spot. The blast was (by means) of a powerful cracker. The police collected the material used in the cracker. Senior administrative and police officers reached the spot and carried out investigation."
"A police team deputed for the security is stationed 25 metres away from the Bhimtal (pond)," he added.
Talking to HT, Adityanath said, "Prima facie it looks like mischief by anti-social elements. Since it was drizzling since evening, no one was present at the spot. I collected some fire particles from the spot and the smell of gunpowder was clear." "The police also arrived at the spot immediately. No suspicious person was found in the area."
Adityanath further said, "I have written to the district administration to strengthen the security of the temple. Since the temple is located near the Nepal border and anti-national activities have been reported in the bordering districts, security should be immediately enhanced."
{{/usCountry}}Adityanath further said, "I have written to the district administration to strengthen the security of the temple. Since the temple is located near the Nepal border and anti-national activities have been reported in the bordering districts, security should be immediately enhanced."
{{/usCountry}}When asked if the blast was the handiwork of terrorists, Yogi said it was a matter to be probed. "Bomb blasts have rocked Gorakhpur earlier," he said.