Even after more than two years, Bangalore is still haunted by the traumatising memories left by the blasts that shattered the peace in the city on July 25, 2008
One of the alleged co-conspirators in the serial blasts that shook the city on July 25, 2008 may have been arrested. But even after more than two years, Bangalore is still haunted by the traumatising memories left by the blasts that shattered the peace in the city.
The motive behind the nine explosions, that took place en route Hosur Road to Mysore Road, was apparently to shake up the IT industry in the city. Nearly half of the country’s IT outsourcing is concentrated in the city and the culprits targeted those connected with the IT industry.
The blasts that lasted for almost 50 minutes killed one woman and injured five people.
The first three blasts took place around 1.30 pm. Later it was found that four more low-intensity explosions took place at Nayandahalli at the same time, two in Madivala around 1.50 pm, and the last one in Adugodi around 2.10 pm. Other blasts occurred at Mallya Hospital Road, Langford Road and Richmond Circle.
Forensic experts declared the bombs were improvised explosive devices (IED), made of gelatin sticks, fixed to timer devices. The explosives were triggered by mobile phones. Those behind the blasts wanted to create panic and scare people, police said.
On the next day, the explosive experts found another bomb, near Forum Mall in Koramangala, which was defused by the bomb squad.
The deceased woman was identified as Sudha. She along with her husband Ravi was waiting at the Madivala bus stop, when the blast took place. The couple had been to a nearby hospital for treatment. Witnesses’ account stated that she was hit on the head by a bolt that was embedded in the IED. Ravi was also injured in the attack.
Analysing the modus operandi, intelligence bureau said that the objective of the culprits was to scare the people rather than kill. The IB arrived at this conclusion as the bombs used were of low intensity. Iron bolts had been fixed to the IEDs and each explosion had the intensity of one to two hand grenades, unable to cause mass destruction. Other theories also floated regarding the cause of the blasts. It was said that the hand of local cadre of the banned Students Islamic Movement of India was behind the attacks.
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