ILAM: An improvised explosive device (IED) exploded targeting the vehicle carrying CPN-UML senior leader Jhala Nath Khanal in Tinkhutte of Ilam district, along Phikkal-Pashupatinagar road section, on Friday evening.

No human casualties were reported, said police.

UML leader Khanal was returning after addressing an election campaign when the incident occurred around 20 meters away from the moving vehicle carrying Khanal, said the Chief District Office Bishnu Prasad Pokharel. “A search has been launched for the culprit.”

Meanwhile, the police have arrested 13 suspects including an Indian national for their involvement in criminal activities targeting the polls including explosion.