Rupees five-lakh compensation for next of kin of those killed: Andhra CM (lead: Hyderabad blast)

Andhra Pradesh (AP) Chief Minister Y S Rajshekar Reddy today announced a compensation of Rs five lakh for the next of kin of those killed in the blast in a mosque.

Hyderabad/ New Delhi/ Mumbai, May 18 : Andhra Pradesh (AP) Chief Minister Y S Rajshekar Reddy today announced a compensation of Rs five lakh for the next of kin of those killed in the blast in a mosque.

The injured will be given a compensation of Rs.20, 000.

There were three bombs in all, two of which were later defused. If these two bombs had also exploded, the situation would have been worse, Reddy told reporters.

Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil said: "So far we have information that there have been five deaths following a crude bomb explosion. We have already put the Rapid Action Force RAF) stationed in Hyderabad at the disposal of the state government."

The priority now was to provide immediate relief to those injured and to the kin of the deceased, Patil said.

An Anti-Terrorist-Squad (ATS) of Maharashtra Police has left for Hyderabad and red alert has been issued in Bangalore and other cities of AP.

At least five persons were killed and 15 others injured in the blast that took place at a mosque in the busy Charminar area.

The blast occurred inside the Mecca Masjid, about 10 meters from Charminar, at around 1.30 p.m when the area was crowded, as thousands had gathered to offer their Friday prayers.

The injured are undergoing treatment at Osmania Hospital.

ANI