An explosion rocked the residence of Khadga Phago, Nepali Congress mayoral candidate for Morang Urlabari Municipality in Jhapa, in the wee hours of Sunday morning.

The blast occurred at Phago’s residence at around 2:30 am Sunday, Inspector at Area Police Office, Chandra Bahadur Thapa said. However, the blast has not caused any major damage.

After initial analysis of the explosion scene, police believed an explosive device could have been set off by using a timer in an apparent bid to foil the second phase local level polls slated for June28.

Police have been investigating who detonated the blast and reason behind it, Thapa said. He added that the security personnel would not police would intensify security even if the motive behind it was to foil the election.

NC mayor candidate Phagu said he could see anything when he rushed to figure out the situation after the explosion. He said that he wouldn’t be distracted by the incident.  He called on the people and candidates to take part in the upcoming elections without fear though the motive behind the explosion was to terrorise the people.

He urged the authorities to identify those involved in the blast and initiate legal action against the guilty.

Coordinator of NC Election Campaign Keshav Karki said the despicable act was a handiwork of those suffering from defeatist mentality.