Andhra to compensate youths

HYDERABAD: Admitting that some youths were “wrongly arrested” in connection with last year’s Mecca Masjid and Lumbini Park blasts in Hyderabad that left more than 50 dead, the Andhra Pradesh government has decided to compensate them.

 “Youths were wrongly arrested in connection with Lumbini Park and Mecca Masjid blasts. Compensation will be paid to them,” state minister of minority welfare Mohammad Ali Shabbir said on Sunday.

The minister said steps would also be taken to rehabilitate and provide employment to these youths. “Autorickshaws will be distributed to them on November 11,” he said.

At least 15 people were killed in the Mecca Masjid blast on May 18 while 40 died in the Lumbini Park explosion on August 25 last year. The police had made several arrests after these blasts.