Blasts toll up to 21, no breakthrough yet

The toll in the July 13 serial blasts went up to 21 even as investigators continued to grope for answers, nine days later.

The toll in the July 13 serial blasts went up to 21 even as investigators continued to grope for answers, nine days later.

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Thirty-five-year-old diamond broker Shripal Mujpura, who was injured at Opera House, became the 21st victim when he died due to his injuries at Hurkisondas Hospital at 8.30pm on Friday.

Meanwhile, investigators are exploring all leads to identify the suspects, without much luck. There is still no conclusive evidence on the nature of explosives or the triggers used in the blasts.

The interrogation of jailed Indian Mujahideen (IM) operatives has not revealed anything about the suspects. The several investigative teams sent across the country are yet to report any breakthrough.

And as if that wasn’t enough, the custodial death of Faiz Usmani, who was picked up for interrogation, has put investigators on the back-foot. Police are now banking on CCTV footage to provide some clues.

Mujpura, who passed away on Friday, “was brought on July 13 with a fractured skull and a severe brain injury,” said a doctor from the hospital requesting anonymity.

“Since he never recovered enough to speak, we don’t know where exactly he was at the spot when the bomb went off,” Mujpura’s brother Rakesh said.