Intensity of blast indicates radio had IED device: ATS

The radio set that exploded and injured four of a family in Beed district could be an improvised explosive device, the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) suspects.

The radio set that exploded and injured four of a family in Beed district could be an improvised explosive device, the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) suspects.

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Though a conclusion can be drawn only after the forensic department submits its chemical analysis report, a team of ATS officers who inspected the blast site and victims are of the opinion that the blast was of substantial intensity.

"The damage caused, and the sophistication, signifies the intensity of the blast. And it cannot be a crude bomb. But, we will wait for the forensic department to confirm," said a senior ATS officer, requesting anonymity.

Four including Om Ramesh Nimbalkar, 32, his wife Usha, 25, his mother Kusum, 55, and two-year-old son Kunal were injured in the blast on Friday afternoon.

Nimbalkar has lost his right hand and two fingers of his left hand. His wife and mother, have fractured hands, while Kunal has suffered severe eye injuries, police sources said.

On Thursday, Nimbalkar who works as conductor with the state transport, had left from Mumbai in the Kurla-Ambejogai bus. On Friday, the bus reached Ambejogai, and left for Latur around 7.40 am.

Apart from the recent arrests of Indian Mujahideen operatives from the Marathwada region, anti-terror agencies including the NIA suspect the involvement of an organisation that has been building its bases in Mumbai, Pune and specially the Marathwada region in Maharashtra.