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CBI probe into Faizabad blast

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Ram Prakash Gupta today ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation probe into the Monday's bomb blast in Faizabad, in which prominent Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader Mahant Ram Chandra Paramhans suffered injuries.

Expressing deep concern over the blast, he said: "There is sufficient reason to believe that the blast was targeted at Mahantji."

He also suspected some connection with the recent blast in Agra, barely 48 hours before the scheduled arrival of US President Bill Clinton.

"Considering that the Faizabad blast has come close on the heels of the one in Agra, this can not be dismissed lightly," the chief minister said.

Paramhans is the oldest living seer involved directly with the Ram temple movement as well as the demolition of the 16th century Babri Mosque in 1992.

The state government has now upgraded the Mahant's security to 'Z-Plus'.

Describing the incident as "unfortunate," the chief minister surprised all by expressing dissatisfaction with the law and order situation in the state.

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