Buddhist shrine in Indian state of Bihar hit by series of bombs

A series of blasts shook India’s holiest Buddhist shrine on Sunday in what the Indian government called a terror attack.

Two people were injured in nine explosions in the Bodhgaya temple complex – where Buddha is said to have gained enlightenment – in the state of Bihar. Police described the bombs as low-intensity timed devices.

Attacks on Buddhist sites are rare in India. No group has said it was responsible. The director-general of state police said police recovered two further unexploded bombs, which were defused. An investigation is underway.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said “such attacks on religious places will never be tolerated”.

The Buddhist sites attract a large number of pilgrims from across Asia, but the main pilgrimage starts in September.

AP