UP govt rules out use of RDX, timer device

The Uttar Pradesh government on Wednesday ruled out use of the deadly RDX or any timer device in the low-intensity serial blasts in Gorakhpur that left six injured.

"Preliminary inquiries have revealed that neither RDX nor timer device were used in the low intensity explosions," Principal Secretary (Home) K Chandramauli told reporters in Lucknow after returning from the scene of last night's blasts.

Chandramauli said the "...tiffin box in which the bombs were placed had batteries but so far no clues indicate use of timer device."

Earlier in the day, Senior Superintendent of Police R K Rai said in Gorakhpur that a timer device may have been used to set off the three bombs kept in the tiffin boxes tied to cycles.

Chandramauli said that Special Task Force (STF) officials have identified the shop from where one of the cycles was purchased.

The bombs were planted on three brand new cycles, which were separated by 200 metres, he said, adding the cycles were purchased from different shops.While one bomb had exploded near a petrol pump, two were kept near transformers but the intensity of explosion was not severe, Chandramauli said.

"After a spot survey, we can say that the intensity of explosion was low. We are still trying to identify the nature of explosives and ascertain the motives behind the explosions," he said.

Stating that the investigations were at a preliminary stage, the official said he would not like to speculate who were behind the blasts.

"We will soon crack the case," Chandramauli said. He said the six persons who sustained minor injuries have been discharged from hospital.