An unidentified group has planted a pressure cooker bomb at Nepali Congress (NC)’s election publicity office in Dumkauli of eastern Nawalparasi district on Friday. The bomb placed at the NC office on the side of East-West Highway triggered panic among the locals.

The pressure cooker suspected to contain explosives was found connected to a water-pump wire in a nearby well.

A Nepal Army bomb disposal squad from Hattikhor Barrack has arrived on the scene to defuse the bomb. Security personnel from Nepal Army, Armed Police Force and Nepal Police have placed a perimeter cordon around the area.

 Locals informed the Area Police Office Rajahar after spotting the bomb.  

The bomb was planted four days plain-clothed security personnel were deputed in the district for the security of Nepali Congress (NC) candidate Shashanka Koirala and left alliance candidate Bhabishwor Parajuli. Koirala had inaugurated the office last week.

Sub Inspector at Rajahar Police, Hari Bhusal said the police have cordoned off the area and working to defuse the explosive. Locals have thronged the area after hearing about the bomb at Mahendra Highway.