Suicide blast hits court in eastern India ahead of Obama visit

Eurasia News

Suicide blast hits court in eastern India ahead of Obama visit

NEW DELHI, India: A policeman was killed while 14 others injured when a suicide blast hit a court in the eastern Indian state of Bihar on Friday, only a few days before the US President Barack Obama is scheduled to travel to New Delhi.

The incident took place inside the premises of Arrah civil court in Bhojpur district of Bihar state where a female bomber blew herself up.

“I can confirm that two people have died and around half a dozen are injured with splinter injuries,” the additional director general of police in Bihar Gupteshwar Pandey told a foreign news agency.

“One lady and a policeman died and I can confirm that the woman was carrying the bomb,” Pandey said.

The blast comes as authorities have tightened security in the country ahead of a planned visit by Obama.

Obama will arrive in New Delhi on Sunday on a three-day official visit, his second as the US president while first after Narendra Modi-led government was formed in New Delhi.

During his visit, Obama will participate in the Indian Republic Day celebrations to be held on January 26 and talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.