Tripathi said that he was on duty in the civil secretariat on the day the assassination took place.

The CM went to the secretariat at about 1.25 pm that day, he said, adding that at about 4.30 pm, steno of the CM informed him that the CM wanted to go to the UT Guest House.

Tripathi stated that he confirmed the same from CM's personal assistant and later flashed a message on the wireless regarding sending an advanced party for checking purpose.

In the meantime, C.M Bakshi, also posted as SP, CM Security, asked him whether a party had been sent. Tripathi said at about 5.05 pm, the CM went to the lift accompanied by MLA Baldev Singh Pakhowal and then reached the porch. Tripathi said that he moved towards his jeep when the CM was about to enter his car and just then a blast occurred. He fell unconscious and when he regained consciousness he was lying in the PGI, he added.

Tripathi's cross examination will continue tomorrow.