Writing on wall draws desperate salvo

The attack happened at about 1 pm, when militants hurled three grenades at the Congress office in quick succession, wounding one BSF and four Special Service Branch officers. The shrapnel from the blast also injured two photographers from Hindustan Times and ANI.

SSB Assistant Commandant Rajendra Kumar, who was hit by splinters, said he saw two militants storm the compound. ‘‘First one grenade was hurled, it was quickly followed by another. We thought it was someone from outside the compound. Then I saw two militants storm into the compound, launching another grenade, which injured me,’’ said Kumar. His report led to fears of another long drawn out standoff in the heart of the city.

Speaking to newspersons after the search operation, Inspector General of Police K Rajendra said: ‘‘As of now, we have evacuated all civilians and no fidayeen has been found inside. We will continue to search and cordon till we are sure it’s safe.’’

While blaming militants for trying to disrupt the poll process, he brushed off questions about the need for additional forces for Monday’s Lok Sabha polls.

Meanwhile, as everyone’s attention was focussed on the Congress office attack, two grenades exploded just across the road. However, nobody was injured.

Earlier in the day, 11 civilians received shrapnel injuries when a grenade was hurled at a National Conference vehicle. The grenade bounced off the vehicle and exploded on the roadside, injuring the pedestrians.