Jaiswal condemns Ahmedabad blasts, says Government will retaliate firmly

Ahmedabad, July 26 : Minister of State for Home Sriprakash Jaiswal on Saturdaycondemned the serial blasts in Ahmedabad, describing it as a planned mode of spreading panic across the country.

"All our Metros have lots of people, and it is not possible to have a police presence in every part of the city or cities," Jaiswal said.

"Terrorists and those behind such heinous crimes are taking advantage of this, but the Government is determined to take firm measures to counter this menace in every way possible," he added.

Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh too has condemned this cowardly act.

At least two people have died and 17 have been injured by the serial blasts, which occurred in different parts of Ahmedabad on Saturday evening. While reports from Ahmedabad said there were seven explosions, the State Government has only confirmed three blasts. According to television reports, the first blast took place at 6.45 p.m. at Mani Nagar Chowk. The other blasts took place at Bapu Nagar, Saranpur Bridge, Sardar Patel Bazaar, Ishaanpur, Raipur and Hasanpur. According to preliminary investigative reports, the bombs were found in tiffins that were planted on bicycles. According to the Government, the blasts were of high intensity. Meanwhile, a high alert has been sounded across the country, but particularly in Bangalore, Ahmedabad and Delhi. Meanwhile, on Friday, eight bomb blasts rocked Bangalore, leaving two dead and 20 injured. On Saturday, a ninth unexploded bomb was found in Bangalore's Koramangala area.

ANI