Four die in Hindu festival bomb blast

A bomb has exploded during a Hindu festival in India, killing four people, including one child

A bomb has exploded during a Hindu festival in India, killing four people, including one child. More than 20 people were seriously wounded.

The bomb exploded beneath a stage erected for the worship of Durga - a Hindu goddess turned into a lion for her valour - in Gauripur town.

Hundreds of devotees were near the stage when the blast occurred.

Gauripur is located 140 miles west of Gauhati, the capital of Assam state.

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The hugely popular five-day festival of Durga Puja, celebrated in many parts of the country today, commemorates the victory of Durga over her enemies.

Militant groups or religious fundamentalists are suspected to have been behind the explosion. Several hardline Islamic rebel groups are active in the area, which borders Bangladesh.

AP