Hyderabad blasts: Blame game over Intel inputs, IM under scanner

Zeenews Bureau Hyderabad/New Delhi: Centre and Andhra Pradesh passed the buck on security inaction after intelligence inputs, even as death toll in the twin blasts in Hyderabad rose to 16 on Friday. Multi-agency investigative teams combed the blast sites at Dilsukhnagar rocked by near simultaneous explosions yesterday evening. Initial leads and the modus operandi employed – Improvised Explosive Device (IED) strapped to bicycles – pointed fingers towards Indian Mujahideen.

Sources told Zeenews that the United Jehad Council (UJC) could be behind the blast. UJC, comprising of militant outfits like Jamiat-ul-Mujahideen (JuM), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) and al Badr, met on February 13 to plan revenge on India following the execution of Parliament attack accused Afzal Guru. Indian Mujahideen (IM) happens to be the ‘operational wing’ of UJC in the country. Sources also informed that 5 sleeper cells were involved in carrying out the twin blasts in Dilsukh Nagar. The explosive used in the blast was bought in Hyderabad itself and a team of NIA officials will soon head to Darbhanga (Bihar) in search of clues, sources added. Initial reports speculate use of `delayed timer` for detonating the bombs used in the blasts. The `delayed timer` provides ample time for the bomb-planter to escape after placing the bomb. Eight CCTVs installed in the area were of no use for the investigators pinning hopes on them for evidence as they malfunctioned. Union Home Ministry sources denied that the CCTV wires were snapped by the perpetrators of the attack. Forensic experts who collected evidence from the blasts site submitted a preliminary report indicating that ammonium nitrate were used in the bombs, which were planted in tiffin boxes and fitted to two bicycles, police sources said. "This is an explosive mix in which aluminium sharpeners were added to nails and iron pieces used to create more impact," a forensic expert noted. Investigators were also looking for a timer device. Cyberabad Police Commissioner Dwaraka Tirumala Rao said they had gathered enough clues about those involved but added the information could not be divulged. He denied having "detained" anyone in connection with the case. Nothing has been officially said but the accusing finger in the case is being pointed towards the IM that has an "established network" in Hyderabad. The modus operandi in strapping Improvised Explosive Device (IED) to bicycles was similar to blasts triggered by IM in the past. Hyderabad along with Bangalore, Coimbatore and Hubli were specifically alerted by the central security agencies about possible attacks by Pakistan-based terrorist groups to avenge the hanging of Mumbai attack convict Ajmal Kasab and Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru. Apart from a general advisory sent to all states on February 19, Union Home Ministry officials said the specific information about possible attacks was shared with authorities in the four cities yesterday morning. Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde said all states were alerted about a possible terror strike by militant groups. However, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Kiran Kumar Reddy had said those were general alerts which often keep coming from the Centre. It has also emerged that two of the alleged IM operatives arrested by Delhi Police for their involvement in Pune blasts last year did a recce of Dilsukhnagar on a motorcycle in July 2012. With PTI inputs