Bomb design flaw averted mayhem in Pune

Pune - Wednesday’s serial low intensity blasts in Pune were part of a larger terror plot, investigations conducted so far have revealed, contradictory to claims that the explosions were someone’s mischief.

As per sources, the bombs used in the attack were meant to cause greater damage. However, a flaw in design led them to go off partially, thereby preventing the shrapnel from spreading.

The security agencies based their conclusion on detailed analysis of the two unexploded IEDs and nature of blasts.
 
Forensic analysis also revealed that ammonium nitrate was most likely used in the bombs and that wrist watches were used to trigger the explosives.

Maharashtra Home Minister RR Patil said on Thursday: "According to preliminary reports, ammonium nitrate was the primary ingredient used in the devices which were apparently triggered by electronic triggers.”

Speaking about a purported threat letter received by Pune police after the killing of an Indian Mujahiddeen operative Qateel Siddiqui in Yerawada Central Jail on June 7, Patil said the security agencies were checking the letter for terror links.
 
The letter, written in Marathi was sent to Pune Police Commissioner's office a few days after Qateel was strangled to death inside his cell.

Government sources in New Delhi also said the probe appeared to point to the involvement of banned home grown terror group Indian Mujahideen (IM) in the blasts.

Official sources said the manner in which locally made watches were used as a timer to complete the bomb circuit to trigger battery-operated detonators kept on three newly-bought bicycles, two dustbins and a polythene bag was similar to the technique adopted by IM, which has links with terror groups in Pakistan.

Joint Commissioner of Pune City Police Sanjiv Singhal said 33-year-old Dayanand Patil, the lone person injured in the blast near Bal Gandharva theatre, was being 'interrogated'. He also said there has been no arrest or detention so far.

Patil's wife Satyakala and some bicycle shop owners in the city's Kasaba peth area were also questioned as part of the investigation.

Four blasts within 45 minutes rocked different locations on the busy Junglee Maharaj Road of Pune Wednesday evening.