Explosion at Batticaloa EPDP office

[TamilNet, Saturday, 01 December 2001, 09:34 GMT]
At least twenty people were wounded in an explosion at the District Head Office of the pro-government Eelam People's Democratic Party (EPDP) in Batticaloa town around 10.15 a.m. Saturday, said sources in the eastern town.

The explosion occurred while Paraneetharan Pratheepan, an EPDP candidate contesting the Batticaloa district and head of the office was addressing his party supporters, the sources said.

Initial reports said the blast was caused by a timed explosive devise placed under the table. Paraneetharan Pratheepan was among those wounded in the incident.

Nineteen people including 11 women and 8 men have been admitted at the hospital, medical sources said.

Meanwhile the Jaffna Magistrate Friday evening remanded an EPDP cadre who was arrested by the police in connection with the attack on TNA candidates and supporters at Naranthanai on Wednesday. Two TNA supporters were killed in the attack by the EPDP.

Mr.Napoleon, Organizer of the EPDP in Kayts, Mr.Mathanarajan,President, Pradeshiya Sabai (local council) and Mr.Jeeva were arrested and produced before Jaffna Magistrate R.T.Viknarajah Friday evening around 6 p.m. by the Kayts Police.

Mr. Napolean and Mr. Mathanarajan were enlarged on Rs 50,000-surety bail each. Jeeva was remanded, court sources said.