Rediff.com« Back to articlePrint this article

Hours after Pune blasts, cops hunt for motive

Last updated on: August 2, 2012 10:22 IST
A policeman inspects the site of an explosion near McDonalds restaurant in Pune

Maharashtra Home Minister R R Patil on Thursday said investigating agencies were probing all angles to determine whether any terror outfit was behind the low intensity serial bomb blasts that rocked Pune on Wednesday night.

"Whether it was a terrorist act or not will be determined only after proper investigations are carried out by Maharashtra ATS, city crime branch and central agencies," Patil told media persons after visiting the four blast sites on Jangli Maharaj Road in Pune.

Four coordinated low-intensity explosions struck the busy arterial J M road in the heart of Pune on Wednesday night. The explosions occurred near Balgandharva Theatre, Dena Bank branch, a McDonald food outlet and Garware Bridge.

Click NEXT to read further...

Hours after Pune blasts, cops hunt for motive

Last updated on: August 2, 2012 10:22 IST
A policeman inspects the site of an explosion near McDonalds restaurant in Pune

Asked whether there could be a "saffron terror" angle to the incident, he said, "All angles are being probed and it will not be proper to comment at this stage."

He said the person injured in one of the blasts -- near Bal Gandharva theatre -- was being treated for minor injuries.

The injured person-- Dayanand Patil, who hails from a nearby village of Uruli Kanchan, had reportedly visited the spot opposite the Balgandharva Theatre, where a 'dharna' agitation by India Against Corruption was in progress.

After he left the place, the explosive, which had apparently been put in his carry bag, exploded on the way, police sources said.

Click on NEXT to read further...

Hours after Pune blasts, cops hunt for motive

Last updated on: August 2, 2012 10:22 IST
The blast site near Dena Bank

Unconfirmed reports said ammonium nitrate could have been the substance used in the blast triggered by small detonators and pencil cells.

Police have also issued an advisory to IAC activists to wind up the dharna pandal for security reasons.

Life in the city returned to normal late night as the blasts did not cause any large scale damage.

Police have appealed to people to ignore rumours and carry on daily routine without fear.

TOP photo features of the week

Last updated on: August 2, 2012 10:22 IST

Click on MORE to see another set of PHOTO features...

© Copyright 2024 PTI. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of PTI content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent.