Hyderabad blasts: Guilty won't go unpunished, says Prime Minister Manmohan Singh

NEW DELHI: Strongly condemning the blasts in Hyderabad, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh tonight said those responsible for the "dastardly" act would not go unpunished as he appealed for peace.

Singh sanctioned Rs 2 lakh each to next of kin of those killed in the blasts and Rs 50,000 each to those seriously injured from the PM's Relief Fund.

The meeting of the Union Cabinet, which was in progress when the blasts took place, was informed about the incident.

"The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, has strongly condemned the bomb blasts in Hyderabad. While expressing shock and grief over the loss of lives in the blasts, the Prime Minister has appealed to the public to remain calm and maintain peace," an official statement said.

"This is a dastardly attack, the guilty will not go unpunished," the Prime Minister added.

He has directed the central agencies to extend all possible help to the Andhra Pradesh state authorities in relief operations.