“A Dark and Painful Chapter” — VP Radhakrishnan Remembers Coimbatore Serial Blasts

New Delhi: Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan on Saturday paid heartfelt tribute to those who lost their lives in the 1998 Coimbatore serial bomb blasts, describing the tragedy as a “dark and painful chapter” in the nation’s history.

This year marks the 28th anniversary of the blasts that shook Coimbatore on February 14, 1998. A total of 12 explosions claimed 58 lives and left over 200 people injured. The attacks were carried out amid communal tensions and had targeted a rally of senior BJP leader L. K. Advani.

In a post on X, the Vice President wrote,
“I pay my heartfelt tributes to the innocent people who lost their lives in the tragic Coimbatore serial bomb blasts of 14 February 1998. It remains a dark and painful chapter in our nation’s history.”

Recalling that day, he said that on February 14, 1998, L.K. Advani was visiting the city when “a horrific series of explosions rocked Coimbatore, leaving deep scars on countless families.”

“The atmosphere of fear, grief, and uncertainty at that time remains deeply etched in my memory,” he added.

Sharing a personal account, the Vice President revealed that he narrowly escaped one of the blasts.
“I survived one of those explosions by a whisker. Those terrifying moments, when we struggled to rescue the injured and rush the critically wounded to hospitals, were among the most painful times of my life,” he said.

Paying homage to the victims, he expressed solidarity with the bereaved families, stating,
“As we remember the victims with deep sorrow, I stand in solidarity with the grieving families whose loss can never truly be filled. Let us reaffirm our collective resolve to unite against terrorism and uphold peace, harmony, and national integrity.”

Earlier in the day, the Vice President also paid tribute to the martyrs of the Pulwama attack, saying their supreme sacrifice will always be remembered and will continue to inspire the nation to build a stronger and safer India.