Ranchi: The cyclone Phailin proved to be a boon for the Jharkhand state capital as it helped avert serial blasts during the Durga Puja festival, police sources said today.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Ranchi police recovered nine bombs fitted with timers from the Iram lodge in Hindpiri area of Ranchi Nov 4. Police also recovered 25 gelatin sticks, 14 detonators and 12 timers.
"The bombs were ready for use after a battery was added to them. Some of them could have been used during the Durga Puja festival," an official of the state special branch told IANS.
"However, due to the cyclone Phailin, Ranchi witnessed incessant rainfall during Durga Puja. During the days of the puja, people visit several pandals. A major tragedy could have taken place in Ranchi," he said.
The nine bombs were recovered from a room of the lodge, which was raided after the Oct 27 Patna serial blasts, in which six people were killed and nearly 100 injured.
