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Eight killed in Pune blast

Mumbai Bureau

Chavan says initial reports indicate it was caused by a bomb

— PHOTO: AFP

The damage caused by a blast at the German Bakery in Pune’s Koregaon Park on Saturday.

MUMBAI: Eight persons, including four foreigners, were killed and 40 injured in a bomb blast which ravaged the famous German Bakery on North Main Avenue in Pune’s Koregaon Park around 7.15 p.m. on Saturday.

Initially it was believed to be a gas cylinder blast, but the explosion is now suspected to have been caused by an improvised explosive device (IED) using an ammonium nitrate fuel oil mix, with RDX as a booster, police sources said. The bodies were charred beyond recognition. Chief Minister Ashok Chavan said preliminary reports indicated that it was a bomb blast.

An eyewitness, who was travelling in an autorickshaw, said he heard a loud explosion and blacked out. Another eyewitness said the bodies were scattered all over and more than 10 were seen at the site. Four shops were damaged near the Bakery which has been there for 22 years.

Soon after the blast, an unidentified bag was found in an autorickshaw. The explosion took place when someone tried to prise open a bag that was left inside the Bakery. Maharashtra Minister of State for Home Ramesh Bagwe reached the site, but could not confirm if it was a bomb that caused the explosion. The Anti Terrorism Squad (ATS) has also reached Pune.

The blast has sent shockwaves in Pune, prompting red alerts in Mumbai and other cities.

Joint Commissioner of Police Rajendra Sonawane said that prima facie it looked like a bomb blast. Congress city president Abhay Chhajed confirmed the number of deaths. “I myself have seen six bodies at the Sassoon Hospital. There are more at other hospitals.”

The bakery is a popular spot with foreign tourists. About six of those injured are said to be foreign nationals. Mr. Chavan has announced Rs. 1 lakh as ex gratia payment to the families of the deceased.

Centre rushing teams

New Delhi Special Correspondent reports:

Sources in the Home Ministry said prima facie the blast looked like the handiwork of a terror outfit

“Information received so far indicates the bomb was in a bag in the bakery. How it was planted and who did it is being investigated by the police and other security agencies,” a senior Home Ministry official told The Hindu adding that all aspects were being probed.

The sources said a team of forensic and explosives experts is being rushed to Pune. A spokesman of the Home Ministry said a team of the National Investigation Agency was also being sent.

The Ministry advised citizens not to touch any unidentified or unclaimed object and report such instances to the nearest police station.

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