Wednesday’s blast a terror attack, says centre

The home ministry officials called today’s blast outside the BJP office in Bangalore— that comes exactly three years (April 17, 2010) after two bombs went off outside Chinnaswamy Stadium in the city — “a terrorist attack”.

The home ministry officials called the Wednesday’s blast outside the BJP office in Bangalore— that comes exactly three years (April 17, 2010) after two bombs went off outside Chinnaswamy Stadium in the city — “a terrorist attack”.

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The Chinnaswamy Stadium blasts were considered an unsuccessful attempt by the Indian Mujahideen (IM). Seven IM operatives have been chargesheeted in this case.

Officials said it was too early to link the IM with Wednesday’s explosion.

Karnataka isn’t just home to the IM leadership — who hail from the coastal town of Bhatkal — but also radicalised youth influenced by al Qaeda and in touch with Lashkar-e-Taiba operatives.

According to initial investigation reports of the blast, the bomb had been hidden near the petrol tank of a motorcycle for maximum damage. That explains why many of the victims have burn injuries. “But luckily for us, they got their timing wrong,” a home ministry official said.

There were a large number of ticket-seekers who thronged the state BJP office till a few days ago. On Tuesday too, the blast site was teeming with devotees, who had come to the adjoining temple.

“We are in constant touch with the Karnataka government and ready to offer any help required,” minister of state for home RPN Singh promised.

Singh appealed for peace and asked everyone not to indulge in rumour mongering.