The National Investigation Agency, which is assisting the Uttar Pradesh police in Saturday’s blast in Agra, is investigating the possibility that the incident might have been carried out by a sleeper cell or a splinter group of a terror outfit in retaliation to Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi’s fast.
“The possibility that this explosion was symbolic and done to sent out a message cannot be ruled out. Both Gujarat and Mr Modi are top of the terror outfits agenda. And Saturday was the first day of Mr Modi’s fast, so there is a strong possibility that the blast was in response to that. We are examining this angle,’’ a top NIA official said.
Sources confirmed that the nature of the low-intensity improvised explosive device (IED) used in the blast reveals that the idea was more to spread panic and scare rather than killing people. Examination by a joint team from NSG and FSL, Agra, confirmed that potassium chlorate, sulphur and charcoal was used in the explosion along with iron pieces.
Forensic examination also revealed that the IED was placed in a cylindrical object.
The forensic report also revealed that no timer or detonator was used in the bomb but six batteries of nine volts each to generate heat which led to the explosion.
Sources said though initially the local police hinted at business rivalry as the motive behind the explosion but intelligence agencies said that possibility seems to be remote.
“No one will be foolish enough to plant a bomb because of business rivalry, particularly when there is high alert post Delhi and Mumbai blasts,’’ the official added.
Incidentally, the Intelligence Bureau had sent an alert to the UP police last month putting Agra on high alert.
Security for at the Taj Mahal has been reviewed as it was learnt that five to the eight CCTVs and even the X-ray machine was not working. Even though CISF is primarily responsible for providing security at the Taj Mahal more personnel from the UP Police have also been deployed to strengthen the outer security cordon.
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4 detained in connection with agra blast
Amita Verma
Lucknow, Sept. 18
Four people have been detained in connection with the blast at a private hospital in Agra on Saturday and the hospital staff is also being questioned.
The identity of the detained persons has not been disclosed.
A FIR has been registered against unnamed persons in connection with the blast at Hari Parbat police station.
A team of the National Security Guard (NSG) reached Agra on Sunday to investigate the explosion at the hospital. The NSG experts visited the blast spot and collected forensic evidence.
UP chief minister Mayawati has announced a compensation of `1 lakh each for the six injured persons. The chief minister sent senior minister Swami Prasad Maurya, DGP R.K. Tiwari and Special DG Brij Lal to Agra on Sunday to assess the situation and supervise investigations.
The special DG said that anyone giving a clue about the culprits would be given a reward of `50,000.
Minister of state for home Jitendra Singh, who visited the blast site on Sunday, also announced a compensation of `50,000 each for the injured persons. UPCC president Rita Bahuguna Joshi and Congress MP Raj Babbar also visited the Jai hospital and met the injured.