Serial blasts struck Mumbai Wednesday evening, less than three years after the 26/11 terrorist attacks of 2008. The three blasts, in sequence, were timed at 6.30 pm, 6.45 pm, and 7 pm IST, and targeted in that order Zaveri Bazaar, Opera House and the Kabutarkhana area of Dadar West. Zaveri Bazaar, centre of the jewellery industry, is adjacent the iconic Mumbadevi temple from which the city derives its name; both Zaveri Bazaar and Kabutarkhana were also targeted in the 1993 serial blasts.
A team of NIA officials, forensics experts and anti-terrorist operatives are en route to Bombay on a BSF special plane; an NSG unit is on standby on the ground. Home Minister P Chidambaram has chaired a meeting of senior Cabinet ministers and officials while Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chauhan is coordinating relief and rescue operations on the ground.
The city, which has witnessed multiple acts of terrorism over the years, has been reacting with abnormal calm; citizens have been providing help and shelter to those in need with offers of help flooding social media sites such as Twitter.
Here's a spreadsheet that's tracking offers and requests of help. Those injured have been rushed to JJ and KEM hospital.
In spite of some resistance earlier on and fears of being stopped by the police at toll booths, the Mumbai cabbie union has decided that taxis will continue to ply well past midnight tonight. Chatrapati Shivaji International Airport has confirmed via this tweet that it's operational.
10:30 am: Q+A - Who could be behind the Mumbai blasts?
No one has claimed responsibility. Security analysts say the pattern of the attack points to a local militant group called the Indian Mujahideen (IM).
A remote possibility is the Pakistan-based separatist group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), known for its sympathies for al Qaeda and blamed for the 2008 Mumbai attacks that killed 166 people.
10:15 am: Here's a timeline of bomb attacks in Maharashtra since 1993. Well, it's alarming!
10:05 am: No leads in Mumbai bomb attacks
India's home affairs minister Palaniappan Chidambaram says investigators have no immediate leads as to who was behind the triple bombing in the city of Mumbai that killed 17 people.
Chidambaram told a news conference Thursday that the blasts in three separate neighborhoods were "a coordinated terror attack."
He says the bombs were made of ammonium nitrate and were not remotely triggered.
There were no immediate leads as to the culprits and there were no intelligence warnings of a possible attack he added.
He lowered the casualty toll to 17 confirmed deaths and 131 injuries. He said a severed head was found that could be an 18th casualty. He did not explain the discrepancy from an earlier government statement that confirmed 21 deaths.
9:45 am: P Chidambaram says 17 people confirmed dead in Mumbai attack, not previous 21
9:15 am: Mumbai blasts: Twitter joins hands to help
The terror attack in Mumbai on Wednesday was the 13th attack on the city in 20 years. Amid the chaos, phonelines were jammed, traffic movement restricted and Mumbaikars stranded. But something was different this time, the users of the social networking site Twitter came together with three innocuous hashtags - #here2help, #needhelp and #mumbai which was trending all through Wednesday evening.
People on Twitter, kept the networking site updated with vital information they received on the Mumbai blasts. They helped in spreading the much needed call for help.
Twitter user Satyarth tweeted, "Food, support, time, companion, friend, blood (B +ve) - please feel free to ask fellow citizens. I am #here2help. I will do whatever I can."
Another Twitter user Sachin Malhotra tweeted, "#here2help... if taxis go off the road. Feel free to call and stay back at Chembur with my family."
8:45 am: What security experts have to say about terror and Pak military
The timing of these blasts is very significant. Firstly, the India-Pakistan talks have resumed. Then the Kasab trials are going on in Pakistan. But most importantly, the Pakistani military is currently under attack from all quarters: politicians, civil society, their media and the Americans; also there is distinct unrest in their ranks. The Americans are speaking to them and using language that people wouldn’t use with their subordinates and they’ve made it very clear that if the Army doesn’t get their act together, they will stop all funding. So how does the Pakistani army respond? Well, they attack India. It’s a diversionary tactic. The intention is to provoke India in such a manner that we will be forced to retaliate and then all of Pakistan will close ranks behind its army and be united.
Most terrorists don’t repeat targets. The only reason they keep attacking Mumbai is because there is nothing that has shaken the psyche of the country like the last Mumbai attack and they want to repeat that effect.
8:15 am: Indian shares seen lower on weak Asia, Mumbai blasts
Indian shares are set to open lower on Thursday, weighed down by losses in most other major Asian markets after Moody's warned the United States may lose its top-notch credit rating in the coming weeks.
Investors would also remain wary after three bombs rocked crowded districts of Mumbai on Wednesday evening, killing at least 21 people in the biggest militant attack on India's financial capital since 2008.
"We could see the market opening a bit weaker but that will be more due to global cues," said Ambareesh Baliga, chief operating officer at Way2Wealth Securities. "I don't think the blasts will have a major impact on the market. We have seen this in the past."
Shares in Tata Consultancy Services , India's top software services exporter, would be watched ahead of its quarterly results scheduled to be announced after trading hours.
Traders would also be watching monthly inflation data due at 0630 GMT. India's wholesale price index probably rose 9.70 percent in June from a year earlier, quickening from May, on rising food and fuel prices, a Reuters poll showed.
8:00 am: Mumbai blasts: Is underworld behind the return of terror?
The security establishment was scrambling on Wednesday for any specific inputs that would give indications of who may have been behind the serial blasts that interrupted the past few months of lull from terror.
Sources were veering around to the opinion that the likelihood of underworld involvement was very high because of a host of factors. One official pointed out that the underworld has been "hyperactive" in recent weeks in Mumbai. There have been a number of reports about various developments in the underworld such as the killing of journalist J Dey and attacks on Dawood Ibrahim's brother's driver.
7:00 am: Mumbai: Hot hunting ground for terror
Repeatedly hit over a half-a-dozen times since the early 1990s, India's financial capital has now become the favourite hunting ground for terror outfits. Over 600 people have died in these attacks. The macabre dance of death has unnerved citizens amid fears that Mumbai may go the Karachi way. Pakistan's port city, barely 800km from Mumbai, has been wracked with violence and bloodbath over the past few years.
"I am shocked beyond words. It proves yet again Mumbai's un-preparedness. Civilians are not on the radar of politicians, who live safely in their havens," said industrialist Dilip De. "It looks like a repeat telecast of the same incident. Politicians have already started the blame game and now the candle vigil marches will begin. The term security no longer has any meaning. It's a shame," said filmmaker and activist Ashoke Pandit. Former Mumbai police commissioner M N Singh, who headed the investigations into the serial blasts of 1993, said Mumbai will continue to be the prime target. "Mumbai has been attacked every three years since 2003. The city has a strong network of IM and SIMI. While the police upgraded its infrastructure and equipment after 26/11 attack, the focus should be on how to curb radicalization of youth from the minority community," he said.
6:00 am: Ammonium Nitrate used in the explosive devices, say sources
As Mumbai is still coming to terms with the triple terror strikes on Wednesday evening, security agencies are now probing the nature of blasts that ripped through the country's financial capital.
Initial investigations have revealed that Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) were used at all the three blast sites - at a bus stop in Dadar, outside the popular snack shops in Zaveri Bazaar in South Mumbai and next to Opera House in South Mumbai again. Sources say that upto seven IEDs may have been used in the blasts. More on NDTV
4:00 am: Mumbai attacks: Indian Mujahideen suspected behind Mumbai blasts
A home-grown Islamist terrorist group, the Indian Mujahideen (IM), is suspected to be behind the three moderate to high intensity explosions in Mumbai on Wednesday which Home Minister P. Chidambaram said were "coordinated attack by terrorists".
The terror attack, which claimed nearly 20 lives, comes days after two suspected Indian Mujahideen operatives, who provided vehicles used in the 2008 serial blasts in Gujarat that killed 56 people, were arrested from a Mumbai suburb by the Maharashtra Anti-Terror Squad (ATS).
2:40 am: Chidambaram in Mumbai, visits blast sites
Barely five hours after the Mumbai blasts, Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram rushed to Mumbai around midnight Wednesday-Thursday for a spot assessment of the triple blasts which left 21 dead and 141 injured.
He was accompanied by Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan and newly-appointed MoS from Mumbai, Milind Deora, and other high-ranking home department and police officials.
2:10 am: We condemn these despicable acts of violence designed to provoke fear and division. It is more important than ever that we stand with India. I will be traveling to India next week as planned, says Hillary Clinton.
1:20 am: Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithiviraj Chavan confirms 21 dead and 141 injured so far; extent of injuries is not clearly known and casualties are expected to rise.
14-07-2011
11:40 pm: Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has released a list of the dead and the injured in the Mumbai blast.
11:24 pm: Bharatiya Janata Party strongly condemned the Mumbai blasts and said it hoped that the government would take a clear stand on the issue of ending terror infrastructure.
'No words can ably express the anguish over these dastardly attacks. We condemn them in strongest possible words. We share the sorrow of the victims,' party president Nitin Gadkari said.
'We hope the government will move beyond reacting from one blast to another and take a clear stand on issues like effective deterrence infrastructure. These blasts are a reminder of the facts that cases like Afzal Guru continue to wait for final action and government dithers from not talking to Pakistan,' the statement added.
11:17 pm: The posh South Mumbai jewellery market Zaveri Bazar became a terror strike target for the third time.
Zaveri Bazar was first targeted in August 1993 when 13 serial blasts ripped through the city, killing 257 people and injuring over 700.
The Aug 25, 2003 twin blasts - one at Gateway of India and another at Zaveri Bazar -killed 54 people and injured another 244.
11:10 pm: The Vice President Hamid Ansari has strongly condemned the heinous terrorist attacks that occurred in various areas of Mumbai today.
He expressed deep shock at the scale of the attacks targeted against innocent people that have caused numerous fatalities and casualties. He said that such terrorist acts are aimed at destabilising the nation and urged all citizens to unite in this critical hour. He expressed deepest condolences to the families of those killed and injured in the attacks.
The Vice President reiterated the national resolve to fight terrorism in all of its malevolent manifestations.
11:00 pm: UK foreign secretary, William Hague, condemns Mumbai attacks:
I send my deepest condolences to all those who have lost relatives or been injured in the bomb blasts in Mumbai. These were deplorable acts of terrorism. The UK stands firmly with India in the face of such atrocities. We are committed to working with the Indian government and our allies and partners to combat the threat from terrorism in all its forms.
10:50 pm: US President Barack Obama condemns Mumbai blast:
I strongly condemn the outrageous attacks in Mumbai, and my thoughts and prayers are with the wounded and those who have lost loved ones. The US government continues to monitor the situation, including the safety and security of our citizens. India is a close friend and partner of the United States. The American people will stand with the Indian people in times of trial, and we will offer support to India’s efforts to bring the perpetrators of these terrible crimes to justice. During my trip to Mumbai, I saw firsthand the strength and resilience of the Indian people, and I have no doubt that the India will overcome these deplorable terrorist attacks.
10:35 pm: PM Manmohan Singh's statement:
I strongly condemn the bomb blasts in Mumbai this evening. I have asked the Chief Minister of Maharashtra to do whatever is possible to provide relief to the injured and to the families of the deceased citizens. I have also asked Union Home Minister, Shri P. Chidambaram to provide all possible expert assistance to the State Government. I appeal to people of Mumbai to remain calm and show a united face.
10:27 pm: 'I was at my shop when I heard a deafening sound. I ran out to see what has happened. I saw a building rattling and people running here and there', said a eyewitness at one of the blast site.
10:22 pm: The blasts that rocked Mumbai were a 'coordinated attack by terrorists', Home Minister Chidambaram said. 'The blasts took place between 6.45 p.m. and 7 p.m. and therefore we infer from this that this was a coordinated attack by terrorists,' the home minister said.
10:15 pm: Ministry of home affairs have confirmed that 20 have been killed and 113 injured in the blast.
10:10 pm: Following are some major militant attacks on India in recent years.
March 7, 2006: At least 15 people are killed and 60 wounded in three blasts in Varanasi.
July 11, 2006: More than 180 people are killed in seven bomb explosions at railway stations and on trains in Mumbai. Islamist militants are blamed.
Sept. 8, 2006: At least 32 people are killed in a series of explosions, including one near a mosque, in Malegaon town, 260 km (160 miles) northeast of Mumbai.
Feb. 19, 2007: Two bombs explode aboard a train heading from India to Pakistan; at least 66 passengers, most of them Pakistanis, burn to death. Timeline
9:55 pm: President Patil wished speedy recovery for those injured in the blasts.
9:35 pm: Home Minister Chidambaram to reach Mumbai Thursday
9:30 pm: Manmohan Singh had a telephonic conversation with Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan following the three blasts that rocked Mumbai. Manmohan Singh has asked Chavan to keep him posted about the various developments taking place after the blasts.
9:23 pm: Advisory: the Mumbai Taxi Workers Union has confirmed that all cabs will go off the roads at midnight.
9:17 pm: NIA teams asked to join investigations in Mumbai blasts
9:13 pm: Maharashtra CM says that police have confirmed that 17 have been killed and 81 injured in the blasts.
9:10 pm: Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani have in official reactions condemned the blasts in Mumbai, expressed their sympathy for and solidarity with the Indian leadership and people, and condoled the victims.
9:07 pm: Home Ministry officials say that India had no advance intelligence indicating the possibility of such attacks.
9:03 pm: One CSFL team from Delhi and one from Hyderabad being rushed to Mumbai: Chidambaram
9:00 pm: Chidambaram says 10 people killed and 54 injured in the blasts
8:55 pm: In a brief statement to the press, Home Minister P Chidambaram said he was in constant touch with the Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chauhan, and said he would update the media on the situation and developments every two hours. The next update is due at 11 PM IST.
8:50 pm: Chidambaram appeals to people of Mumbai to remain calm and maintain peace.
8:47 pm: No incident of communal disharmony reported in the city after blasts: Milind Deora
8:45 pm: A vehicle with registration number MH-43 A 9384 was found damaged at the Dadar blast site. The police are enquiring about its details.
8:42 pm: Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chauhan has confirmed 13 dead in the blasts, and over 100 injured to various degrees of severity.
8:40 pm: Even as a BSF plane with NIA officials, forensics experts and anti-terrorist personnel are en route to Mumbai, Home Minister P Chidambaram has taken the chair at an emergency Cabinet meeting.
8:37 pm: All injured taken to KEM and JJ hospital
8:36 pm: Opera House blast took place in Prasad Chambers, Panchratna lane which houses diamond traders
8:35 pm: Indian Mujahideen suspected for attacks: NDTV reports
8:34 pm: The blasts occured at 6.30, 6.45 and 7 pm in sequence
8:33 pm: Police control room nos: 22621855, 1983, 5020
8:30 pm: Top security and home ministry officials meet to assess situation
8:29 pm: Opera House blast took place in Panchratna lane
8:28 pm: Police have cordoned off the area. People are stranded in Dadar as the police are not allowing them to leave the place. It's raining and people are struck
8:28 pm: Dadar blast took place at bus stop near Kabhuthar Khaana
8:26 pm: Home Secretary RK Singh confirms that one blast took place in a Maruti Esteem
8:25 pm: Home Secretary RK Singh says all injured have been shifted to hospital
8:22 pm: Home secretary RK Singh says 2 killed and 100 people have been injured in the blast.
8:20 pm: Domestic and International airports in Mumbai reportedly sealed. CISF screening airport parking lots
8:17 pm: Home Minister Chidambaram to brief the media at 9:00 pm on the Mumbai blasts
8:14 pm: BSF forensic experts being readied to fly to Mumbai
8:12 pm: PM speaks to Maharastra CM on blasts; asks him to keep him posted
8:10 pm: Maharashtra Home Secretary claims 60 have been injured
8:07 pm: Local trains in Mumbai are still functional
8:05 pm: Police sources say improvised explosive devices used in the blasts
8:03 pm: IED used in blast: TV reports
8:02 pm: If you or your loved ones are injured in the Mumbai blasts, please call 022 6133 6133 - MeraDoctor lines are open for all
8:01 pm: Kabhuthar Khaana area in Dadar cordoned off
8:00 pm: It seems to be a terror attack: Home ministry
7:58 pm: TV reports say that 8 people have been killed and more than 70 injured
7:55 pm: Dadar blast victims taken to Kem hospital; Zaveri Bazaar blast victims taken to JJ hospital
7:54 pm: Zaveri Bazaar blast took place in a meter box of an electric pole
7:53 pm: Home Ministry puts NSG team on standby
7:52 pm: Teams of Maharashtra ATS rushed to the blast site
7:50 pm: One explosion was in a car in Dadar
7:50 pm: Cellular networks jammed across Mumbai
7:47 pm: Home Ministry confirms blasts are an act of Terrorism
7:45 pm: Security alert in Delhi after Mumbai blasts
7:43 pm: Chhagan Bhujpal refuses to give confirmation on mumber of injured
7:40 pm: Home ministry confirms blasts in Mumbai
7:35 pm: Probing a tiffin box found near the blast site: ACP
7:32 pm: 7:30 pm - Early reports indicate casualties in Zaveri Bazaar blast.
7:30 pm: Fire under control in Zaveri Bazaar, says eye witness.
7:25 pm: Eyewitnesses report hearing explosion sound near Kabuthar Khaana in Dadar. It is located next to Dadar Station.
7:20 pm: Home Ministry refuses to confirm that they are bomb blasts
7:15 pm: Three blasts reported from different parts of Mumbai - Dadar, Prasad Chambers in Opera House and Zaveri Bazaa
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