Sunday, October 30 2005 10:27 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: A powerful blast ripped across a market in central Delhi today (Oct 29, 2005) injuring several persons. 61 people have been killed and 60 injured in the Paharganj blast.

The blast took place in the main market in Paharganj Govindpuri and Sarojini Nagar areas at around 5.38 pm, the fire brigade said.

The explosion in the Sarojini Nagar has destroyed many shops. In Govindpuri, the blast occurred in a Delhi Transport Corporation bus.

Initial reports said blasts had also occurred in Gole Market areas in the city.

Another bomb explosion was averted in the Chandni Chowk area, where a bomb had been placed in a bank. The bomb squad later defused the bomb.

People who were injured have been admitted to various hospitals. The Paharganj and Sarojini Nagar markets were crowded when the blasts occurred at about 5:38 PM. People were out for shopping before Diwali.

Initial reports said that just about an hour ago, police had received a call about a bomb placed in a bag in the Paharganj area. But before the police could get to the place, the explosive went off. The blast caused major commotion among the crowd even as several shops were damaged.