4 dead in police firing after Mecca Masjid blast

Hyderabad, May 18: Five people were killed and several injured when a bomb, triggered by a remote control, ripped through a crowded prayer meeting at the Mecca Masjid near the world-famous Charminar today, and four died in subsequent police firing to control violence.

The blast occurred when hundreds were in the midst of the 'Zohar' prayers in the packed 400-year-old mosque, facing the famed Charminar. Panicked devotees ran towards high-panelled gates, causing a near stampede even as four bodies lay at a corner of the mosque where the blast occurred.

During a search, the bomb squad found three more live bombs and defused them.

The more than 30 injured, including children, were rushed to the Osmania hospital and a private hospital where the condition of three was stated to be critical.

The authorities rushed a contingent of the Rapid Action Force, Special Police Group and paramilitary forces in a bid to restore order amidst frenzy and emotional outbursts reported in the volatile old city area. A red alert has been sounded in the state and pickets were posted in sensitive areas.

The mob torched a wine shop and attacked State-owned Road Transport Corporation buses, forcing the closure of Falaknuma depot.

Police lathicharged the mob with water cannons and also fired in air but the unrelenting mob attempted to destroy public property, injuring four near the Pista House.

Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy cut short his Delhi visit and rushed back here with Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil.

Before departing from Delhi, the Chief Minister announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh to the kin of each deceased and Rs 20,000 for the injured.

The mob had reportedly manhandled doctors and paramedics of the Osmania hospital as few of them were moved to the private hospital.

Police lathicharged the mob at Osmania and the situation was tense.

Even as the forensic experts were trying to detect the nature of the explosives, state Home Minister K Jana Reddy said the handiwork of foreign elements could not be ruled out. State Director General of Police M A Basith contended that the bomb was not made locally.

UNI