3 blasts rock communally sensitive Malegaon

By Staff
|
Google Oneindia News

Mumbai, Sept 8: Three blasts took place in a market area in Malegaon near Nasik at intervals of two minutes.

One blast took place near Noorani mosque after the Friday prayers while the second one took place near a slaughter house. Police suspects that crude bomb has been used in the blast. 25 people have been confirmed dead while 112 are seriously injured.

A curfew has been imposed in the city. The blasts took place after Friday prayers at the mosque.

However, there are conflicting reports on the number of blasts as PS Pasricha, DGP, Maharashtra, has only confirmed one blast.

In contrast, the Nashik SP has confirmed two blasts, while the local police have said that there were four blasts in all.

According to reports, two blasts occurred in Bajju Khana, one occurred in Mushaira chowk and the fourth one at Maani Masjid.

Malegaon is situated 110 km away from Nasik and has a history of communal violence. Network are jammed in the city. However, no one has taken responsiblity of the blast till now.

A statewide alert has been sounded by the Maharashtra police, and mobile networks have been jammed in Malegaon.

According to initial reports, the situation in Malegaon in tense but under control.

Today is Shab-e-barat, a festival where the local Muslim community visits cemeteries to offer prayers for the dead.

The Rapid Action Force is being dispatched to the city.

An ATS team and Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra RR Patil are also on their way to Malegaon.

The Home Ministry is currently meeting to assess the situation.

However, Home Minister Shivraj Patil has issued a statement condemning the blasts and suggested that they are an attempt to disturb communal harmony.

The Home Minister and Home Secretary have also spoken to Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, and the state has been advised to maintain communal harmony and keep up the vigil.

OneIndia News

For Daily Alerts
Get Instant News Updates
Enable
x
Notification Settings X
Time Settings
Done
Clear Notification X
Do you want to clear all the notifications from your inbox?
Settings X
X