Blast in Kochi Collectorate, Kerala on High Alert

Thiruvananthapuram: A high alert was sounded across kerala security beefed up after an explosion at the Kochi collectorate building on Friday evening was identified as a pipe bomb blast.

The explosion took place around 1510 hrs (IST) in the staircase leading to the fifth floor of the building। Initially it was thought to be a fire that broke out but later forensic inspecting the experts site found that that it was a pipe bomb and identified a timer, ammonium nitrate and batteries.

A man near the spot suffered minor injuries in the blast.

State Revenue Minister KP Rajendran who rushed to the site said that a high level inquiry would be ordered.

After the forensic experts identified explosive materials, state Director General of Police Jacob Punnoose asked all the 14 district superintendents of police to maintain a high vigil. He left for Kochi himself.

Kerala Chief Minister VS Achuthanandan and Home Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, who are both in delhi to attend a crucial Party meeting, called up the Ernakulam District Collector M Beena after being informed of the incident./IBN LIVE