GANDHINAGAR, INDIA, September 25, 2002: Forty-four people, including men, women and children, were killed and another 100 seriously injured in a deadly attack by terrorists on the Akshardham temple complex here on Tuesday evening. Two terrorists are presently engaged in a gun battle with security forces joined by NSG commandos flown in from Delhi. The two terrorists, now on the complex’s roof, have inflicted injuries on security personnel trying to get closer. At least 500 people have been rescued from the 23-acre temple complex. A temple spokesman, Sadhu Brahmaviharidas, said about 100 people are believed to be inside the multimedia auditorium but they appeared to be safe. Official sources said 44 people have been killed and their bodies have been shifted to civil hospitals here and in Ahmedabad. Some Hindu monks have been reported among the casualties. Briefing newsmen, Deputy Prime Minister L K. Advani said in Delhi that two to four terrorists staged the attack. They arrived in an ambassador car and climbed over the temple wall to enter the premises. The terrorists were armed with AK-47 rifles. The terrorists, according to Advani, entered the sprawling Akshardham temple complex at around 4:45 pm and started shooting indiscriminately at the visitors. Three to four grenades were also hurled at the devotees.
A daily summary of world news for Hindus and non-Hindus alike