By Xinhua
New Delhi : At least 42 people, including five women and seven students, were killed and about 50 injured as twin blasts rocked two places in Hyderabad, capital city of Indian southeastern state of Andhra Pradesh Saturday evening, Indian police said on Sunday.
The condition of some of the injured was said to be serious, the Press Trust of India quoted the local police as saying.
An explosion at a commercial area killed at least 32 people. Almost at the same time, another blast took place at an auditorium at the government-run Lumbini Park near the state secretariat, killing at least 10.
About 500 people in the auditorium were watching a laser show at Lumbini Park when the blasts occurred.
The local police said the blasts were meticulously planned and executed, and the blasts were caused by powerful explosives called Neo Gel 90. The powerful blasts are believed to have been planted in bags and triggered by a timer device.
Indian Home Minister Shivraj Patil on Sunday left for Hyderabad, saying more information on the blasts would be available.
A red alert has been sounded in the Hyderabad. Security has been tightened at the airport, railway stations, bus stations and shopping malls.
Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh condemned the blasts, and expressed his deep concern. Meanwhile, Indian President Pratibha Patil and United Progressive Alliance Chairperson Sonia Gandhi also condemned the blasts.
Till now, no organization has so far claimed responsibility for the blasts.