KATHMANDU: At least three persons died and six others have been injured when a powerful improvised explosive device went off outside the gate of Nepal Oil Corporation at Babarmahal in the Capital on Monday afternoon.

The deceased include a woman, said to be a beggar, and Krishna Bahadur Tamang (34) of Bairani-1, Dhading, who died on the spot. The third victim of around 70 years succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment at Bir Hospital. His name is yet to be identified.

The bodies have been collected from the site of the incident and sent for autopsy.

The injured in the incident are Som Tamang (35), Raghu Nath Khadka (45), Lal Bahadur Tamang (65), Bishunu Prasad Fulara (40), Bashu Shrestha (20) , Bhim Bahadur Kunwar (21) and Man Bahadur Kunwar (40). Among the injured, three are reported to be in critical condition. They are receiving treatment at Bir Hospital.

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The remains of the bomb blast victim outside the gate of Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) premises at Babarmahal in Kathmandu on Monday, February 27, 2012.

The Samyukta Jatiya Mukti Morcha (SJMM), an underground outfit has claimed responsibility for the fatal attack. Morcha’s coordinator told Avenues TV that the explosion was to protest the recent price hike of petroleum products.

Police has confirmed that the bomb was an improvised explosive device (IED). Initially it was suspected to be a suicide attack.

Security personnel have cordoned off the area while an investigation has been initiated.

The bomb was exploded at the crowded area thronged by people visiting various government offices outside the country's main administrative complex Singha Durbar.

Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Bijaya Kumar Gachhadar along with senior police officials visited the site of the crime.

The Home Ministry has called a press meet at 4 pm.