Local miscreants or terrorists behind Mancher blast?

Updated on: 18 February,2009 09:31 AM IST |
Kaumudi Gurjar |

ATS considers both options, as explosives used in the blasts are used to explode pits of wells

ATS considers both options, as explosivesused in the blasts are used to explode pits of wells

Pune's Anti Terrorism Squad (ATS) is investigating whether a terrorist organisation is behind the low-intensity blast in a state transport bus in Mancher, 40 km from Pune on Monday night.

u00a0

ATS sources say they are also not ruling out the hand of miscreants interested in creating panic. Peter Lobo, ATS inspector, told MiD DAY "An IED (improvised explosive device) was used to trigger the blast.

The device had repeatedly been kept under a seat at the back of the bus, which was standing at the terminus when the explosive went off.

"While minor damage was done to the bus, none of theu00a0 six passengers who were seated in the front rows, were injured in the blast," said Lobo.
u00a0
ATS sleuths recovered a 12ft wire connected to some gelatin sticks hanging out of a window at the back of
the bus.

"Prima-facie, the person who triggered the blast was present outside the bus when the blast occurred.

Considering the intensity of the blast, chances are that it could be the handiwork of local miscreants attempting to create panic," Lobo said.

API Dnyaneshwar Ganore of the Mancher police station, where the case has been registered, said, "While investigating, we are keeping in mind that the material used in the blasts is usually used for blasting wells."

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels