National Investigating Agency begins probe into Bangalore blasts

Bangalore, Apr 20 (ANI): A six-member National Investigating Agency team has begun its probe into the twin blasts that occurred outside Bangalore's M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday.

On Tuesday, the first day of probe, the investigating team inspected the spots where explosions took place and also the areas where the explosive material was found.

The team members reportedly interacted with the police officials investigating the blasts and also shared the information about certain suspected elements.

The team also collected some samples from the blast site for further analysis.

Meanwhile, Karnataka Transport Minister R. Ashok also visited the Chinnaswamy Stadium to take stock of the security situation.

He confirmed that the NIA team had come from Delhi to investigate the matter.

"Surveillance of the entire stadium is on. I am going to the spot to see then only something concrete can be said. The sleuths of NIA are here to conduct the probe. Let us go to the spot for all details," said R Ashok.

Earlier on Sunday, three bombs were defused near the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. The first one around 100 meters from the stadium and the second one near the Gandhi Murti, also near the stadium.

A third explosive was defused near Gate No.1 of the stadium.

Sources said the bombers had placed the devices behind a flex board.

At least 12 people were wounded in the incidents on Saturday, which caused an hour delay in the Indian Premier League (IPL) match between Mumbai Indians and RoyalChallengers of Bangalore.

Roughly 20,000 people were packed into the stadium and hundreds more were streaming in when a loud explosion at Gate Number 12 rattled nearby buildings.

The first explosion occurred at 3:15 p.m., and the second, 20 minutes later.

The explosives were found in bushes.

Preliminary forensic investigation revealed that the explosive was an ammonium nitro glycerine gelatin stick. It was detonated with the help of a microchip timer.

Both the semi finals of the cash-rich Indian Premier League tournament have been shifted to Navi Mumbai following the blast episode.

The matches were earlier scheduled to be played in Bangalore on April 21 and 22 respectively. (ANI)