8 killed in Mecca Masjid blasts; 4 dead in police firing

Hyderabad, May 18 (UNI) At least eight people were killed and scores injured when a bomb, triggered by remote control, today ripped through a crowded prayer meeting at the historic Mecca Masjid near ''Charminar'', while four others died in the subsequent police firing to control the mob.

Four people were killed on the spot and over 60, including children, injured when the bomb, reportedly a ''crude one'', exploded in the mosque while an equal number died at various hospitals where they were admitted.

Meanwhile, four people died after police opened fire to quell the mob which attacked police and paramilitary forces.

The toll could increase as the condition of many of those hospitalised was stated to be critical.

City Police Commissioner Balwinder Singh and Hyderabad district Collector R V Chandravadanam were trying to coordinate relief at the communally-sensitive old city area.

A heavy posse of armed policemen has been deployed in the old city to check any possible attempts by anti social elements to fray violence specially during the night.

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