Chandigarh: Three killed in car blast after Bathinda Congress rally

Three persons died and seven others were injured following an explosion in a car in Maur Mandi near Bathinda, late in the evening on Tuesday.

The incident took place after a road show, organised by local Congress candidate Harminder Singh Jassi, had just ended. A former MLA, Jassi is connected with Sirsa-based Dera Sacha Sauda, which holds a significant sway over the voters in Bathinda Assembly segment.

This is the first such incident reported in the state in the run up to the polls, scheduled to be held on February 4.

Initial reports following investigations initiated by the police say that the incident took place after a gas cylinder in the car had exploded.

Talking to DNA, SDM Latif Ahmed confirmed the death of three persons. "The three people who died were standing near the car, when the explosion took place. At least seven persons were injured, and they have been rushed to a hospital nearby. It is too early to ascertain how the explosion took place. The police have begun their investigations."

Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal has extended his condolences to the family of the deceased.