Improvised Explosive Device used in Hyderabad blasts, Indian Mujahideen suspected

HYDERABAD: Preliminary investigation into the twin blasts in Hyderabad has suggested that Improvised Explosive Device (IED) were used to carry out the explosions and the modus operandi was similar to blasts triggered by the banned militant outfit Indian Mujahideen.

"The blasts triggered by IED tied to two bicycles at two sites 100 metres apart and some traces of Ammonium Nitrate were also found from the two spots," police said.

The toll in last evening's powerful explosions has climbed to 16. Five of the 119 injured are stated to be in a critical condition. Forensic experts of NSG and NIA and state police were examining all materials found from the blast sites and a final report was awaited.

Delhi Police, along with Hyderabad Police, is expected to interrogate an alleged Indian Mujahideen terrorist, arrested by the Special Cell of the Delhi Police from a place in Hyderabad last October. Maqbool, who is currently in Tihar jail, had said the outfit was planning terror strikes in some places in Hyderabad for which recce had been carried out.

Union Home Secretary R K Singh had said last night that the explosions were "very powerful" while eye witnesses said the impact of the blast at the bus stop was such that interiors of two shops right behind it in a three-storied building were badly damaged.