12 dead, over 70 injured as five blasts rock Delhi

New Delhi, Sep 13 (UNI) Terrorists struck in the Capital, killing at least 12 people and leaving over 70 others injured in five blasts which rocked crowded market places in Karol Bagh, Connaught Place and Greater Kailash areas of the capital this evening.

The blasts occurred in close succession in a span of 40 minutes, between 1800 hrs and 1840 hrs, leading to panic in these areas.

The first blast occurred in Ghaffar market area of Karol Bagh in which seven persons were killed, fire brigade officials said.

This was followed by blasts near the Gopaldas Building and Palika Bazar (gate no.1) in Connaught Place and two blasts in Greater Kailash.

Five people, including a woman, died in the blasts in Connaught Place while 40 others were injured, sources said.

Police Commissioner Y S Dadwal, who visited the blast scene in Connaught Place, said it was too early to say anything on the culprits. ''We are assessing the situation. Our officials are in the process of collecting information. The guilty will be soon brought to book.'' Meanwhile, the injured have been shifted to RML and LNJP hospital.

Unconfirmed sources said a live bomb was found in the India Gate area.

Meanwhile, traffic in the areas hit by the blasts has been diverted to other areas. Also, mobile networks have been jammed.

Delhi Metro services were, however, normal.

UNI RL-AR AKJ AS2013