Case registered over Orangi blast

BDS experts suggested in their initial report that a mobile phone was used to detonate the bomb

KARACHI:

The police on Sunday registered a case against unidentified persons following a deadly bomb blast in Orangi Town the previous night.

At least two people lost their lives and ten others were injured in the blast near Brohi Hotel in Orangi Town on Saturday night. The explosive device, weighing nearly one kilogramme, was planted under a burger cart in the crowded area. At least five Muttahida Qaumi Movement workers, including party election cell member Muhammad Israel, were among those injured.

The bomb disposal squad experts suggested in their initial report that a mobile phone was used to detonate the bomb. "A mobile phone has been used to detonate the bomb after a long time; the terrorists have largely been using remote-controlled devices for the last few years, since they allow quick explosions while the cell phone devices take time," explained one of the experts, adding that it had yet to be ascertained why the culprits used this method.

Police officials were also unable to determine the motive behind the incident. "We are still not sure why it happened but it is clear that a militant group was behind the attack," Orangi Town SHO Tanvir Murad told The Express Tribune, adding that the area was dominated by the Urdu-speaking community but also had Baloch residents.

The police, on behalf of the family of one of the deceased, have registered an FIR under the Anti-Terrorism Act, as well as Sections 3 and 4 of the Explosives Act and Sections 302, 324 and 427 of the Pakistan Penal Code.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 16^th, 2015.