Hubli (Karnataka), May 10 : A blast went off at the district court here on Saturday afternoon, causing extensive damage to the premises.

Police said there were no casualties, and added that the Intelligence Bureau is yet to ascertain whether the blast was an act of terror or an election gimmick.

Officials said some political party might have been behind the blast to divert the attention of the police, who have been coming down hard on party workers for distributing freebees and goodies in violation of the model code of conduct laid down by the Election Commission.

Hubli has been identified as a sensitive area ever since Idgah Maidan episode. The district will go to polls in the third phase of elections. (ANI)