Two killed, 16 hurt in Dadu bomb blast

Source: The news

Monday, February 15, 2010 By Riaz Qadir Narejo DADU: Two persons were killed and 16 others sustained injuries in a bomb blast here on Sunday. The incident, the first of its kind in the city, occurred at the Marvi Hotel near the Cinema Chowk. Panic gripped the area and the city was shut down after the blast. Dadu District Police Officer (DPO) Ghazi Salahuddin told reporters that the bomber was among the dead while 16 people were injured. The DPO rejected the impression that it was a suicide bombing. He said the bomber was carrying the explosives to plant it at some place for terrorism, which went off accidentally at the Cinema Chowk. He said the blast occurred at around 11:00 am. The explosive material was of two to three kilograms. The identity of the bomber is yet to be ascertained, as his face was badly damaged in the blast. The police said more than six people, including former Taluka Nazim Juhi Usman Jamali, the owner of the hotel, had been apprehended. Later, Sindh Senior Minister for Education Pir Mazharul Haq visited the blast site and enquired after the injured. Agencies add: The explosion damaged several buildings in the area. “It was a huge blast, but it mainly destroyed the sweet shop and the rickshaw in front of the shop,” said eyewitness Ghulam Nabi Panwar. The explosion wounded nine people, who were brought along with the three dead to the main hospital in Dadu, said hospital official Rafiq Kolachi. Meanwhile, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah strongly condemned the bomb blast. He also sought a report from the inspector general of police, Sindh, about the incident, said a statement. He has also directed the Dadu DCO and the EDO Health to provide free medical treatment to the injured. Sympathising with the bereaved families, the chief minister prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed souls in eternal peace. Meanwhile, National Assembly Speaker Dr Fehmida Mirza and Deputy Speaker Faisal Karim Kundi also condemned the Dadu blast.