Terror struck Hyderabad killing 13 people and injuring over 100 others last night when two powerful near simultaneous bomb blasts ripped through a crowded area close to a cluster of bus stands in Dilsukhnagar. Six of the injured are said to be in serious condition.
The blasts triggered by Improvised Explosive Devices or IED tied to two bicycles took place in the peak hour at two sites 100 metres apart, on the Hyderabad-Vijaywada national highway.
Director General Police Dinesh Reddy, said it was definitely the handiwork of a terrorist network. National Investigating Agency has begun probe into the blasts.
Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde visited the blast site a shortwhile ago. Control rooms have been set up to provide information about the injured and deceased. Hyderabad Control room numbers are-040- 23235642, 23235643, 23261166, 27852333 and 278243.
Additional forces have been deployed at all important places in the twin cities of Hyderabad and Sceunderabad and frisking and vehicle checking is being done Security has been tightened and high alert has been sounded in many parts of the country.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has announced two lakh rupees ex-gratia to the kin of each of the victims and fifty thousand rupees to the injured. Andhra Pradesh government has also announced an ex-gratia of six lakh rupees each to the families of the deceased and an assistance of 50 thousand rupees to one lakh to the injured.
President, Vice President, Prime Minister, UPA Chairperson, BJP President and Andhra Chief Minister have strongly condemned the Hyderabad blasts and appealed to the people to maintain calm and peace. Describing the blasts as act of cowardice to disrupt peace and harmony, Mr.Pranab Mukherjee called for zero-tolerance against such acts. Mr.Mohammad Hamid Ansari condemned the bomb blasts and conveyed his heartfelt condolences to families of victims.Dr.Manmohan Singh asserted that those responsible for the dastardly act will not go unpunished. UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi also expressed sorrow and anguish over the blasts. BJP President Rajnath Singh condemned the incident and demanded a thorough probe.Information and Broadcasting Minister Manish Tiwari described it as an extremely sad incident.
Condemning the terrorist bombings, the United States offered assistance in investigation if requested by the Indian government. State Department spokesperson, Victoria Nuland told reporters that the United States stands with India in combating the scourge of terrorism.
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon
has joined the international community in condemning the terrorist attack in Hyderabad.He strongly condemned the
indiscriminate attacks against civilians.
