JAIPUR, MAY 16:Rajasthan police are trying to establish a link between the bomb explosion at Gokul Chat Bhandar in Hyderabad and the serial blasts in Jaipur. Sources claim that the bombs used in both attacks bear striking similarities: the shapes of the devices were the same, as was the way in which the ball bearings and pellets were used to make them more lethal.

“The IEDs used in Hyderabad and Jaipur bombs have similar C-shaped cores,” stated Inspector General of Police, Pankaj Kumar Singh.

In addition, bombs in both attacks had directional chargers, which made them more lethal as the explosions could be directed, said Singh.

The explosive devices also had a composition of RDX, Ammonium Nitrate and metal pieces in common. “We think at least 18-20 persons were involved in the entire exercise. The bicycles were purchased just hours before the incident, which means that the person or persons who made the bombs were in the city to assemble them,” the IGP added.

A team of senior officials has been sent to Andhra Pradesh to check on the probable links between the blasts, which are believed to have been carried out by HuJI, a Bangladeshi terror outfit.

Interestingly, in Jaipur—unlike the earlier attacks where cycles were used—an attempt was made to rub off the frame numbers. “We think that this points towards an imminent change in the modus operandi of the militants who are behind these explosions,” say sources.

The police are also checking mobile records for the day of the attacks. “We have asked for call details from specific cellphone towers and hope that these will be help us in the investigations,” sources stated.

Nine blasts in all

In an indication that investigators may not be handling the blast probe properly, the Rajasthan Police today clarified that:

• There were nine blasts, and not eight, as was earlier stated; the two bombs that were planted at Chand Pole were counted as one.

• In all, 10 bomb-bearing cycles—and not the earlier stated figure of nine—had been placed at these sites.

• Sources stated that the extremists had purchased one bicycle from each shop, but the police have so far only been able to locate eight. “Two shops are yet to be located. But we are questioning the shop keepers and hope to track down the shops soon,” a senior police officer stated.

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