The Hindu : Front Page : RAF, NSG teams rushed to Malegaon

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Saturday, Sep 09, 2006

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RAF, NSG teams rushed to Malegaon

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: The Union Home Ministry on Friday rushed six companies of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) to Malegaon, near Nashik, in Maharashtra where bomb blasts earlier in the day left about 30 dead and 45 injured.

Describing the terror attacks as a "cowardly act", Home Secretary V.K. Duggal said that all steps were being taken to firm up security in the town and more Central forces would be sent if necessary.

While the nature of explosives used in the blasts was yet to be ascertained, Mr. Duggal told reporters that a team of the National Security Guard (NSG) commandos was being sent to help in the investigations.

He said that 20 companies of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), already stationed in Maharashtra due to Ganesh festivities, have been placed at the disposal of the State Government.

The Ministry has also issued an advisory to all States, including Maharashtra, to monitor the communal situation, take steps to maintain harmony and take the help of local community leaders for the upkeep of peace.

Sources in the Ministry said that there was no "pinpointed specific" intelligence input about the possibility of terrorist attack in Malegaon.

Home Minister Shivraj Patil was monitoring the situation and is likely to visit the town on Saturday.

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