Kin of Ahmedabad blasts pray for departed souls

Ahmedabad, August 26 : Families of the victims killed in the serial blasts that rocked Ahmedabad on July 26 offered prayers for the victims on Tuesday.

At least 16 bombs exploded in Ahmedabad on July 26, a day after another set of blasts in Bangalore killed a woman. Three days later, several unexploded bombs were found in the Gujarat's Surat town.

A mass prayer, including fire rituals for each victim, were organised by the families.

"We have organised this prayer to pay for the souls of the victims of the Ahmedabad blasts. We organised fire rituals to pray for the victims," Jaynarayan Vyas, Health Minister who attended the prayer session.

Tears rolled down the eyes of parents as they prayed for the departed souls.

"I have prayed that the souls of those who have died may rest in peace," said Sejal, a relative of a blast victim.

A little-known group called the "Indian Mujahideen" had claimed responsibility for the Ahmedabad attacks. But police said Indian Mujahideen was just "another identity" for Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI).

SIMI, a Muslim group has been blamed by police for almost every major bomb attack in India, including explosions on local trains in Mumbai two years ago which killed 187 people.

ANI