Maharashtra police submits report to Union home ministry on July 10 blast

NEW DELHI: The low-intensity blast in Pune on July 10 that left four persons including a police constable injured was the handiwork of a terrorist organisation that wanted to show its presence without inflicting serious injuries, says a report submitted by Maharashtra police to the Union home ministry.

The blast, which could now qualify as the first terrorist strike since the Narendra Modi-led NDA government took charge in May, was triggered by an improvised explosive device or IED planted in a bike parked in front of a police station in the heart of Pune city.

“The impact of the blast and placement of the stolen motorbike shows that the bomber did not intend to inflict serious casualties. It might be effort of some terror organisation to show presence,” says the report.

The report adds that the IED consisted of ammonium nitrate explosive and ball bearings and “probable use of a digital timer”, a nine-bolt battery and an electronic detonator. The bomb with explosives of no more than 300 grams was packed in a plastic bag, it says.

The modus operandi appears similar to that of the Indian Mujahideen, which has executed blasts with similar bombs in the past, home ministry officials told ET. In this case, however, the injuries caused were minor and the blast damaged only a few vehicles. The incident happened close to a temple in the area which attracts a large number of devotees.

Pune has also seen terror strikes by the Indian Mujahideen in the past, including a major bomb blast at German Bakery in 2010. Home minister Rajnath Singh said after the blast on July 10 that the home ministry had sought a report from the Maharashtra police. “We cannot rule out anything yet. We have asked for a detailed report. The home secretary has spoken to the DGP. It is a low-intensity blast. Let us wait for a detailed report,” the minister said.