Former Finance Minister and Nepali Congress (NC) Nuwakot constituency-1 candidate Ram Sharan Mahat has claimed that the explosion carried out today in Dandagaun was a deliberate attempt to kill him.

A landmine was detonated targeting Mahat and his election publicity team at Dandagaun Sikarichaur in Kakali Rural Municipality-5 at around 10 am on Friday while he was heading for Chaturale of Nuwakot to attend an election assembly.

Mahat demanded the government carry out a free and fair investigation into the incident and take action against the guilty.

“The criminals should be booked by conducting a prompt investigation,” he said, adding, “The bomb was exploded with an intention to kill me.”

He said that the landmine attack was carried out by those elements, who were frightened by the overwhelming support of people for NC.

As many as six NC cadres were injured in the incident that took place this morning.

Upendra Mishra, Bhesh Kumar Tamang, Sabin Lama, Lila Bahadur Gharti Magar of Nawalparasi, Ram Bahadur Rai of Sindhuli and Ramesh Rai, were among the injured. They have been ferried to Kathmandu-based Grande International Hospital after primary treatment at the Ranipauwa Health Post.

Injured Sabin Lama is the driver of vehicle. According to SP Birendra Kumar Basyal, Chief at the District Police Office, Nuwakot, the vehicle (Ba 16 Cha 665) was completely damaged in the explosion.

Locals have been left panic-stricken after the incident. No one has claimed responsibility for the incident.

Following the incident, a minor clash broke out between the supporters of democratic alliance and left alliance at Ranipauwa Bazaar. The supporters of democratic alliance and left alliance briefly traded brickbats at each other, SP Basyal said.

After the NC candidate suspected the hands of left alliance behind the explosion, left alliance candidate and former minister Hit Bahadur Tamang said that the accusations were baseless.

Meanwhile, the Local Administration has decided provide special security to the duo in the district.

“Security has been tightened to prevent any untoward incident,” said Chief District Officer (CDO) Jagadas Raj Baral said.

Saying that the violent incident has increased challenges to candidates’ security, CDO Baral informed that personal security officers would be provided to left alliance candidate from Nuwakot constituency-1 Hit Man Tamang and NC candidate from Nuwakot constituency-2 Jagadish Narsingh KC.