20 killed, 90 injured in 5 blasts across Delhi

20 killed, 90 injured in 5 blasts across Delhi
NDTV Correspondent
Saturday, September 13, 2008, (New Delhi)
Twenty people have so far been reported killed and 50 injured in 5 serial bomb blasts in crowded places across Delhi.

The blasts took place in Karol Bagh, Connaught Place, Greater Kailash-I and Barakhamba Road in a span of 40-50 minutes. One explosive device was defused near the high-security India Gate area.

Terror outfit Indian Mujahideen has claimed responsibility for the blasts.

The first explosion rocked Gaffar market area of Karol Bagh in central Delhi at 6.15pm. The explosive was kept near a car. The impact of the blast was so severe that an auto was thrown up several feet.

This was followed by the blasts in Connaught Place area.

In Barakhamba Road, one of the bombs was suspected to be hidden near Nirmal tower. The second blast in the CP took place near Gopal Das tower. Both the buildings house private offices and banks. The third blast took place in Central Park.

In the GK-I blast, ten shops were damaged in the explosion that took place at around 6:40 pm. The bombs were hidden in a dustbin.

Preliminary examination of the blast site said that low intensity ammonium nitrate tied to integrated circuit had been used in almost all the serial blasts. Timer devices were used in all the blasts.

Two persons have been detained by the police for questioning. The police says that a 12-year-old boy may be able to provide clues.

Prime Mininister Manmohan Singh has condemned the blasts and appealed for calm.

The Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil has said that people should maintain calm and social harmony and understanding.

"Let us jointly fight the tragedy," he said.

(With PTI inputs)