India

Blasts in Ahmedabad follow Bangalore bombings

Article published on the 2008-07-26 Latest update 2008-07-26 15:50 TU

Police check bags in Allahabad after Friday's blasts
(Photo: Reuters)

Officials in India have confirmed that at least two people have died and 55 injured after several bomb-blasts in Ahmedabad, in the western state of Gujarat. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh condemned the attacks, which follow bombings in the southern city of Bangalore which claimed one life, and appealed to residents to keep calm.

Officials say that between six and eight blasts hit Ahmedabad today within the space of one hour, the first taking place on a bridge.

Ahmedabad was the scene of Hindu-Muslim riots which claimed over 1,000 lives in 2002 and the state government is controlled by the Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and led by the BJP's controversial local leader Narendra Modi.  

"At least 55 people have been hospitalised so far and some of them are badly hurt," said Gujarat Home Minister Amit Shah.

On Friday eight low-intensity bombs went off in the hi-tech city of Bangalore in southern India, leaving one dead and seven wounded.

"This is very unfortunate and we are surprised that despite a high security alert sounded yesterday after the bomb attacks in Bangalore, the blasts occurred today in Ahmedabad. We are shocked," Junior Home Minister Shakeel Ahmed said.

He complained of a "lack of co-ordination" between intelligence agencies and the police.