Date:25/05/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/05/25/stories/2007052507980100.htm

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Andhra Pradesh to seek CBI probe

Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy has said that he will write to the Centre to institute an inquiry by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the bomb blast at the Mecca Masjid in which nine people were killed last Friday.

Dr. Reddy also announced a judicial inquiry into the subsequent police firing in which five persons were killed.

He took these decisions at a high-level meeting here on Thursday, a day ahead of Friday prayers at the historic Masjid for which tight security is being provided.

An official release said the Chief Minister took the `personal decision' to order the CBI probe to reassure the Muslim community that the Government was keen on getting to the real cause of the blast.

Dr. Reddy was quoted as saying that his Government was always transparent on such issues.