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Rivalry a motive behind Agra blast?

September 18, 2011 14:41 IST
As the Uttar Pradesh police continue to quiz four persons in connection with the Agra hospital blast case there are very few indications for now to suggest that it was an act of terror. Sources informed that Saturday's blast could also be the fallout of a rivalry between local nursing homes and the privately-owned Jai Hospital.

However, the police are not ruling out other angles and say that there are various investigative teams on the job as well. The Anti-Terrorism Squad, which is also conducting the probe, says that they are investigating the involvement of small terror modules, but the hand of an extremist outfit in the attack looks unlikely.  

A report that was sent out to the home ministry also suggested that it is too early to suggest that the blast was undertaken by a terrorist group. Personal rivalry appears to be the motive as per the preliminary investigations, the report also stated.

The Forensic Science Laboratory, which has collected evidence from the hospital, is also looking into the material used to trigger the blast. The police say it is not surprising that the low-intensity blast was triggered by a "crude Improvised Explosive Device.

Vicky Nanjappa