Can't rule out terror angle in hospital blast: UP police

The possibility of the blast at a Agra hospital being a terrorist attack could not be ruled out, Uttar Pradesh's top police official said today.

Uttar Pradesh Special DGP, Brij Lal said investigating agencies were probing all angles into last evening's explosion in the reception area of the hospital that left six persons injured and they may take some more time to arrive at any conclusion.

"The possibility of the blast in Jai hospital being a terrorist attack could not be ruled out," Lal, who accompanied state minister Swami Prasad Maurya, to the blast site said.

Maurya announced Rs1 lakh compensation for the injured and a reward of Rs50,000 for anyone providing clues about the blast.

Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Jitendra Singh also visited the hospital and announced a compensation of Rs50,000 each to the injured from the Prime Minister's Relief Fund.

He was accompanied by Firozabad MP Raj Babbar.

"The state government was warned by the Centre beforehand but the warning was not taken seriously," Singh said.

UP Congress Committee Chairman Rita Bahuguna Joshi also visited the spot and criticised the state government.

A low intensity blast in which a crude Improvised Explosive Device (IED) was used ripped through the reception area of the hospital in the city yesterday, about 5-7km from the Taj Mahal.

Police said no arrests have been made.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati, meanwhile, directed police and state intelligence officials to ensure that guilty are brought to book at the earliest.

"The police and state intelligence officers should ensure that those involved in the blast should be brought to book and detailed investigation should be carried out in the matter to stop recurrence of such incidents in future', Mayawati said in a press release issued in Agra.

She also directed the officials to ensure free treatment to those injured in the blast.