Investigations into the Samjhauta Express bombings have provided some clarity about what exactly happened. Investigators believe there were not two but perhaps four bombs in the coaches that were targeted. The police believe that the fire originated near the two doors of each coach, which means that four bombs exploded. Considering that two unexploded bombs were recovered, the above implies that there could have been at least six bombs in all. Each bomb is believed to have three detonators, and these were geared up in such a way that if one failed, then another would trigger the explosives. Also the weight of each suitcase was more than 20 kg.Help in probe
Forensic experts believe that the IEDs had a very complex circuit and, interestingly, they had an indicator flashing on top of the suitcase, which meant that everything was fine with the circuit. Based on all this, investigators believe that there could have been at least four to six bombers and possibly more. Although described as crude bombs, the use of three detonators in each bomb and the sophistication indicates that they were assembled by an expert or experts. And this almost certainly had to be done in somebody's house in Delhi, because had it been done in a hotel or a guesthouse, then it would have raised suspicions. "It was a work of an expert who knew about explosives," said J S Mahanwal, Director, FSL.
But all this hasn't helped the police to identify just which group or individuals are responsible. On Thursday, the Haryana Police admitted that it needed help in the probe, as they have no experience in investigating such a terrorist attack. In the coming days, the focus of the investigations could shift out of Haryana and to Delhi where the specialized agencies will take over.
Six detained
Also, six people have been held by the police in Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.Of the six people, two were picked up for questioning in western UP and four in Rajasthan. Among the four people detained in Rajasthan is a married couple from the Naya Sahar locality of Bikaner. The couple provided the police with leads which led to two more people being held in Bikaner. The police sketches were based on eyewitness descriptions of the men who left the train just before the bombs exploded.
Sharing information
Meanwhile, Pakistan's Foreign Minister Khurshid Mehmood Kasuri has voiced hope that India would share information on the Samjhauta Express blasts investigation with Pakistan before the joint anti-terror mechanism meet on March 6. Speaking to NDTV, Kasuri said that it's impossible to arrive at a conclusion quickly on who is responsible. On Wednesday, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee had ruled out any joint investigation. However, India will share information about the probe at the March meeting.