Jaipur serial blasts: Victims recall horrors on 15th anniversary

People of Rajasthan's Jaipur observe the 15th anniversary of the eight serial blasts that took place on May 13, 2008. "I was returning after distributing the papers. A sudden blast took place and two pieces hit my body which resulted in kidney damage,' said a victim of the blast that took place at Chandpole temple.

Jaipur (Rajasthan):The people of Rajasthan's Jaipur will observe the 15th anniversary of the eight serial blasts that took place on May 13, 2008. As many as 71 people were killed and 185 people were injured in those blasts. However, the accused are yet to receive punishment. According to sources, the 13 accused who were given the death penalty by the lower court were acquitted by the High Court raising questions about the investigating agency.

Later the victims approached the Supreme Court against the High Court decision. The SC sought answers from the accused and the state government. Sources said that 1,293 witnesses came forward and lots of evidence were produced in the case. The police have listed 13 accused in this case including Sarvan Azmi, Salman, Mohammad Saif, and Saifur Rahman.

However, three of them are absconding while three are lodged in Tihar Jail. Two accused were killed in the encounter, while one was already acquitted by the court. The eight bombs which went off at seven places in the city within a span of 20 minutes on May 13, 2008, were strapped to bicycles. At the same time, a live bomb was also found in the Chandpole market whose timer was set for 9 pm. However, 15 minutes before the fixed time, the bomb squad team defused it.

The people are observing meetings and dharnas in the city. Speaking to ETV Bharat, Bhanwar Lal Sharma, the priest of Sanganeri Gate Hanuman Temple, who witnessed these blasts said, "The day was Tuesday. Milk consecration of Bajrang Bali was to take place. People were busy in preparations in the temple when a bomb blasted and the fellow Pandit, Prasad's distributor, his child and beggars came under its grip. There were 2 bomb blasts at Chhoti Chaupar."

"Two policemen Bharat Bhushan and Deepak Yadav were martyred in the bomb blast outside the police station," he said. Meanwhile, another victim said, "I was worshipping in the temple as usual. A cycle was kept near the verandah, in which the blast took place and shrapnel hit me. When I returned from the hospital after treatment, I realised many people died in the incident."

Devi Singh, a victim of the Chandpole temple blast said, "I was returning after distributing paper. A sudden blast took place and two pieces hit my body which resulted in kidney damage. Today, I am living with one kidney and I am not able to lift any heavy goods."