Timer-linked device caused Godhra blast

The explosion in a crowded Godhra market of Gujarat on Friday night, ahead of the New Delhi blasts, was caused by a timer-linked device, according to a preliminary report of the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) in Gandhinagar.

Initial reports had the director general of police, Gujarat, A.K. Bhargava, being quoted as saying that the explosion that left two people dead and nine others injured, three of them seriously, had been caused by a cylinder burst.

However, subsequent scrutiny by an FSL team that reached the spot and carried out detailed investigations has proved that it was an explosive linked to a timer. The explosion took place in the Pollan Bazar area which is bustling with activity. Those who died in the blast have been identified as Hasankhan and Hafiz Zuberahmad Mohammad Ali.

According to Inspector General of Police Rakesh Asthana, the bomb used in the blast is akin to the types made and used more in North India, principally Uttar Pradesh.

Meanwhile, members of the minority community in the town submitted a memorandum to the district collector demanding strict action against those involved in the blast in this communally sensitive town besides demanding compensation for those killed in the explosion.

The leaders of the community also decided to collect funds for the injured. "While the government has already announced Rs300,000 [Dh25,000] each for the relatives of those killed in the Delhi blasts, no compensation has been announced here," minority community leaders said.

Though there has so far been no breakthrough in the case, police have received reports that two people on a motorcycle had left the explosives in the market place. Police say they are handicapped for want of a description of the two. With the condition of some of the injured improving, the police are hoping that their questioning may reveal some clues.