Bimal Gurung and other GJM leaders booked in connection with high intensity blast in Darjeeling

A high intensity blast shook Darjeeling in the early hours on Saturday, the first such incident since the indefinite shutdown to press for separate Gorkhaland state began over two months ago. There was no report of any casualty but several shops were destroyed in the blast which was suspected to have been set off by Gorkhaland supporters near the motor stand in the hill town's Chowkbazar area, police said.

According to ANI, GJM Leader Bimal Gurung, Prakash Gurung, Praveen Subba & others have been booked in connection with the bomb blast. 

The GJM has reacted to the bomb blast. 

Blast,we believe was handiwork of those who don't want Gorkhaland to be formed,was planned move aimed at bringing disrepute to movement: GJM

— ANI (@ANI) August 19, 2017

"The blast took place in the early morning at around 12:15 am-12:30 am. The blast was triggered when a police patrol van was patrolling the area," a senior police official said. Today is the 66th day of the indefinite shutdown in the hills.

Inspector General of Police Darjeeling range, Manoj Verma said, "A few days ago it was reported that a huge amount of explosives were stolen from a power plant in Bijanbari area". "We suspect that these are the same explosives that were used. We suspect the hand of GJM supporters behind this blast.

We have started an investigation and are on a lookout for the culprits," the IGP said, adding a forensic team will visit the blast site today. The police have cordoned off the entire area.