RAJBIRAJ: An explosive device went off at the residence of a rural municipality chair in Saptari district last night.

The improvised explosive device exploded on Friday midnight in the house of Balan Bihul Rural Municipality chair Daya Nanda Goit. The blast occurred inside the living room for visitors built within his house premises, damaging the furniture and other items housed within, informed District Police Office, Saptari.

Chair Goit's uncle, Shyam Goit, has sustained minor injuries from the explosion. He is receiving treatment at a local health facility.

Talking about the incident, Chair Goit said that the blast could have been targeted towards himself. He was elected to the position as a candidate of the then Federal Socialist Forum, Nepal.

Meanwhile, Coordinator of Akhil Terai Mukti Morcha, Jaya Krishna Goit, contacted mediapersons and claimed responsibilty for the incident. He said the blast was carried out as a warning. He cited financial irregularities by the rural municipality chair and lack of support towards their cause as reasons behind the explosion.

Further investigation into the incident is underway.