Mumbai rocked, Pakistan suspected

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http://www.atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/MG15Df01.html

MUMBAI - Like a deadly unwanted relative refusing to sever connections, terrorism revisited Mumbai after nearly three years, with three bomb blasts on the evening of July 13. Twenty-one people have died in the explosions and over 140 injured. The death toll is rising.

The bombs exploded at around 6.45 pm: outside a school bus stop in suburban Dadar, the busy jewelry market zone of Zaveri Bazar and the diamond trading district at the Opera House area in south Mumbai. The timing and location of the explosives showed intent to target heavily crowded areas during rush hour.

Mumbai police commissioner Arup Patnaik told media personnel at the blast sites that the bombs at Zaveri Bazaar and Opera


House seemed to have been high-intensity improvised explosive devices (IEDs), judging by the damage in the two areas. The Dadar bus stop bomb was of relatively lower intensity. The bombs exploded within 10 minutes of each other, Patnaik confirmed.

No terrorist group has yet claimed responsibility for the blasts, and no suspects have been officially named. From the familiar pattern of the attacks, security agencies unofficially mentioned the involvement of the so-called Indian Mujahideen. But this group of killers, said to be supported by, or a front for, the Pakistani terrorist outfit Lakshar-e-Taiba, has not sent its trademark e-mail to media outlets claiming credit for this latest exhibition of terror.

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1. ATS begins probe in Mumbai blasts; registers three cases

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/ATS-begins-probe-in-Mumbai-blasts-registers-three-cases/articleshow/9225048.cms

MUMBAI: The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) on Thursday registered three cases in connection with the serial bombings that left 18 people dead and 131 injured.

"ATS has taken over the probe. Close to 12 joint teams of ATS and crime branch have been formed and we are being closely assisted by Central agencies. This case is being taken up on priority," ATS chief Rakesh Maria told reporters here.

Assuring people that no effort would be spared to bring the perpetrators of the latest terror strike to justice, he said, "We request the public to have faith and trust in the police. So far no (terror) case has gone undetected and the persons responsible for the blasts will be brought to book. We will get you the accused."

The maximum casualty in the last evening's terror attack was witnessed at Opera House where 10 people were killed. Seven persons died at the explosion at Zaveri Bazaar, the police officer said.