Third anniversary of Mecca Masjid blast passes off peacefully

The third anniversary of the bomb blast at the historic Mecca Masjid passed off peacefully, even as security forces maintained a tight vigil on suspected terror elements, who have been targeting policemen in particular.

The third anniversary of the bomb blast at the historic Mecca Masjid passed off peacefully, even as security forces maintained a tight vigil on suspected terror elements, who have been targeting policemen in particular.

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A cellphone-triggered pipe bomb placed at the Mecca Masjid during Friday prayers on May 18, 2007 had claimed nine lives, and five people were killed in police firing, subsequent to the bomb blast.

In view of the recent terror attack that claimed the life of U Ramesh, a police constable on picket duty at Shah-Ali Banda on May 14, security was tightened at important places, including the Mecca Masjid and other parts of the Old City, as a precautionary measure to avert any untoward incidents.

"Security had been beefed up and the day passed off peacefully and no untoward incidents were reported," DCP South Zone Madhusudan Reddy told PTI, adding frisking and vehicle checking were conducted by the police in different areas.

Police suspect terror operatives are targeting their personnel to "avenge" the death of five Muslims during the police firing immediately after the blast in the Mecca Masjid.