Law Kumar Mishra | Team TrickyScribe: The recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22 once again stirred memories of the dark day on October 27, 2013 — when terror struck Patna’s heart, Gandhi Maidan.
Narendra Modi’s First Major Rally as PM Candidate Set the Stage
It was the day Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi was set to address the BJP’s “Hunkar Rally,” marking his first major public event after being declared the National Democratic Alliance’s Prime Ministerial candidate.
Political Rivalries Add to the Tension in Patna
His nomination had intensified political rivalries, especially with Nitish Kumar and Lalu Prasad Yadav, setting a charged political atmosphere in the city.
Bomb Blasts Begin Before Modi’s Arrival at Gandhi Maidan
Before Narendra Modi could even reach Gandhi Maidan, a series of bomb blasts rocked Patna. I, along with photographer Pramod Sharma, set out to cover the rally amid mounting tension.
Chaos at Patna Junction as Panic Grips the City
At platform number 10, near Karbigahiya, we found a bleeding youth — the aftermath of the first blast, with panic spreading among commuters and railway staff.
Early Warnings Ignored by Authorities
Despite informing a senior police officer, our concerns were dismissed with a casual remark about the control room’s silence.
Modi’s Arrival and a Rally Amid Terror
We made our way to Gandhi Maidan as Narendra Modi arrived with minimal security, unaware that terror had already gripped the area.
Explosions Rock Gandhi Maidan During Modi’s Speech
While Modi addressed the massive crowd, multiple explosions tore through Gandhi Maidan, causing chaos and panic among thousands.
Sushil Kumar Modi Tries to Control the Crowd
Former Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi attempted to calm the gathering, attributing the blasts to firecrackers, even as injuries mounted.
Modi Refuses to Leave Despite Explosions Near the Stage
Despite an explosion near the stage and advice from police to cut his speech short, Modi stayed and completed his address to the crowd.
Security Failures Exposed After the Attack
A security sweep post-speech revealed eight live bombs hidden across Gandhi Maidan, highlighting grave lapses in event security.
Administrative Failures Deepen the Crisis
Amid the chaos, Patna’s District Magistrate went missing, later found locked inside a confidential office during the city’s biggest security failure.
NIA Investigation and Convictions in the Gandhi Maidan Blasts
The NIA arrested ten suspects across India, and in 2021, an NIA court sentenced several of them to death and long-term imprisonment.
Gujarat Police Blame Bihar Authorities for Lapses
Gujarat Police accused Bihar of gross negligence in handling Modi’s security, a charge Nitish Kumar’s government vehemently denied.
Modi’s Return to Patna: A Personal Tribute to Victims
Three days later, Modi returned to meet a victim’s family, later helping them secure employment — a gesture he remembered years later as Prime Minister.
Gandhi Maidan Terror Attack: A Memory That Still Haunts Patna
The tragic events of October 27, 2013, left a permanent scar on Patna’s collective memory, serving as a chilling reminder of the city’s vulnerability to terror.
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