NEWS

7 killed, 26 injured in Mumbai blast

By Vijay Singh and Syed Firdaus Ashraf in Mumbai
July 31, 2003

Seven persons, including two women and three children, were killed and 26 injured in an explosion in suburban Jogeshwari area of northwest Mumbai early Thursday morning.

The explosion occured in the house of Dilnawaz Khan, a supplier of explosives for film shootings, fire officials said. His firm - Vishal Special Effects - had supplied explosives for several films, including Vivek Oberoi-starrer Dum.

The explosion occured at 3 a.m. while the Khans were asleep in their house at Nagesh Chawl, Bandiwali Hills on S V Road.

Dilnawaz Mustafa Khan (36) his wife Anjum (32), their daughter Sher Bano and a relative Aslam Ayub Khan were among the dead.

Neighbours Gaurav Manohar Chauhan, Sanchita Manohar Chauhan and Siddhi Chetan Singh were also killed in the explosion.

Minister of State for Home Kripa Shankar Singh, who was quoted by a TV channel saying that he suspected the involvement of a terrorist group in the blast, later changed his statement and said he was talking about Monday night's bus blast in Ghatkopar.

Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Chhagan Bhujbal denied the possibility of a terrorist orgnisation's involvement and said it looked more like an accident. He, however, said investigations were on and all angles were being looked into.

The injured have been rushed to Cooper Hospital.

Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) Satyapal Singh told reporters at the site that Dilnawaz Khan's brother-in-law Ayub Khan has been detained after being found at the site of the blast despite residing in another locality.

Singh said the police have recovered three cylinders and some electrical wires from the house. Dilnawaz Khan's godown, where he used to store explosives, is also being checked.

Singh said it is not yet clear whether Khan had the permission to store explosives.

With inputs from PTI

Vijay Singh and Syed Firdaus Ashraf in Mumbai

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