AP coordinating with CBI, other States in bomb blast cases

Hyderabad, Nov 5 (UNI) The Andhra Pradesh Government is making coordinated efforts with the CBI and the police forces of other States, including Maharashtra and Rajasthan, for investigating the bomb blast cases, Home Minister K Jana Reddy told the State Assembly today.

In a written reply to Mr Akbaruddin Owaisi and other AIMIM members, he said special teams have been formed and the services of experts were being utilised for investigation of the cases.

The State Government had created a specialised Organisation for Counter Terrorist Operations (OCTOPUS) to effectively deal with the terrorism menace since the ultras were operating in the international level, he added.

Timely defusion of live bombs at Mecca Masjid and Dilsukhnagar foot over bridge had helped save hunderds of precious lives, Mr Reddy said, adding that security at vital installations, including the State Assembly, Secretariat, Airport and Railway Station, had been stepped up.

The bomb blast at Mecca Masjid had claimed nine lives, while 12 people lost their lives in Lumbini Park blast and 31 at Gokul Chat.

UNI