Chennai train blast: Jayalalithaa orders CB-CID probe

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J.Jayalalithaa on Thursday condemned the twin blasts inside two coaches of the Bangalore-Guwahati Express at the Chennai Central Railway Station.

Media reports said that she has ordered a CB-CID probe into the incident that claimed the life of a 22-year-old woman, Swati, and injured nine others.

Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde, who is currently in Himachal Pradesh, said: "I am away in Himachal. I have directed my officials to provide all assistance to the state government".

Initial investigations suggest that an improvised explosive device (IED) was used for the twin blasts. The Home Ministry has put all airports on alert following the blast.

Tamil Nadu's Director General of Police K.Ramanujam, said: "It is not a major blast. It is suspected that Chennai could not have been target of those who were behind the blast because the train was running late. Some other location could have been the target."

He added that a Special Investigation Team would probe the twin bomb blasts.

Member of Parliament and senior DMK leader T.K.S. Elangovan also visited the spot, and called the incident unfortunate.

He further stated that it is the duty of the police to alleviate the fear of passengers and ensure that people travel safely.

Additional Director General, Public Relations, Railway Board, Anil Kumar Saxena, said the Home Ministry has expressed sorrow over the unfortunate incident.

He added that the sequence of blasts was still unclear.

"We need to wait for detailed and time-bound investigation to take place. Commissioner Railway Safety (southern circle) S.K. Mittal will conduct an inquriy into the incident," he said.

Earlier, Railway Minister Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday said Central and State teams are working together in investigating the causes behind the twin blasts that took place between two coaches of the Bangalore-Guwahati Express train at the Chennai Central Railway Station, and added that his 'people' were taking quick action and providing the required relief-related work.

"Investigation is going on. Railway and state police are working together. I believe that in a short time we will be able to sort out this matter", he said.

Kharge also said he would not be traveling to Chennai as he had to visit New Delhi for an update meeting.

"A very unfortunate incident took place in Chennai today. The train (Bangalore-Guwahati) which is scheduled to arrive at 5.20 hours arrived at Chennai Central at 7.05 hours," he said.

"Approximately after 10 minutes after the train's arrival, two minor blasts took place in two coaches - S4 and S5. As consequences of these blasts, one lady passenger, age around 22, lost her life. She was travelling from Bangalore to Vijayawada. In addition to this, two passengers received major injuries and seven received minor injuries," he added.

The Ministry of Railways has announced an ex-gratia of one lakh rupees for the kin of the deceased. 25,000 rupees will be given to the two critically injured, and 5,000 rupees to the seven with minor injuries.

Two blasts took place this morning onboard the Bangalore-Guwahati Express shortly it had arrived at Platform No. 9 of the Chennai Central Railway Station. The bombs were planted under the seats of the two coaches.

The injured have been admitted to a hospital. A helpline number in Tamil Nadu 044-253 57398 has been set up. The Bangalore helpline numbers are : 08022356409 and 08022156553. The Railway Control number is 08022876288

Meanwhile, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has not ruled out the terror angle in the incident.

According to still to be confirmed reports, police have found a suspect hiding in a compartment of the train. He is currently being questioned in police custody.