A day after a blast in Malleswaram sent shockwaves across the city, investigating agencies are yet to come to any conclusion about those responsible for the attack.
An IED kept under the seat of a motorbike blew up after being remotely triggered, just 100 metres from Jagannath Bhavan, the state BJP headquarters in Malleswaram, around 10.30 am.
Two persons were detained for questioning in connection with the bomb blast, a source said in Chennai on Thursday. However, the source declined to share any details, including the identity of those detained. Earlier in the day, City Police Commissioner Raghavendra H Auradkar said no one had been picked up or questioned in the case.
On Thursday, the bomb squad of the National Security Guard and officials of the National Investigation Agency did a recce of the spot and collected a few samples. Volunteers of Civil Defence went to houses located in the nearby Temple Road and collected samples. The city police were also seen actively recording statements of residents and shopkeepers in the vicinity.
Meanwhile, four special teams, to be supervised by Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) Pronab Mohanty, were formed to probe the blast. DG & IGP Lalrokhuma Pachuau announced a reward of `5 lakh to anyone who provides information about those involved in the attack.
Addressing a press conference on Thursday, DG & IGP Lalrokhuma Pachuau said that the NIA, NSG and scientific officers from the Central Forensic Science Laboratory were helping the city police in the probe.
“Preliminary investigation has revealed that the bomb was kept in a TVS Suzuki Max 100. Video footage from 8-10 CCTV cameras are also being scrutinised.”
He said, “As of now, we can just say it could be a terror attack, but it is difficult to name a particular organisation. Shortly, a decision will be taken on whether the investigation should be transferred to the Internal Security Division or not.”
Police Commissioner Raghavendra H Auradkar said, “Investigation has revealed that ammonium nitrate was used in the bomb. We are also preparing the sketch of a suspect who parked the bike at the spot.”