Sleuths float theory of dirt bomb

Though the investigation into Tuesday’s blast here has made little progress, a police official told HT that the possibility of a dirt bomb, made with the latest technology, being used for the blast is being probed.

Detonation of a dirt bomb results in an explosion accompanied by a lot of smoke but no shrapnel. The terrorists might have planted the bomb near some stones to result in the blast crushing and turning them into powerful projectiles.

Videos of the blast and the aarti suggest the possibility of a dirt bomb having been used to cause the blast, an official said. In another development, they detained a mason and barber who worked at the site of the explosion.

Mason Mobin had repaired some of the stairs and railing at the Old Dashashwamedh Ghat during Deep Deepawali on November 21. Barber Vijay used to solicit customers wishing to be tonsured at the blast site.

Many tourists stay on

Despite Tuesday’s terrorist attack here scaring many foreign tourists into leaving this temple town earlier than scheduled, many overseas visitors are determined to stay on.

“Such blasts can take place any time around the globe, be it Varanasi or Venice. I came here on December 2 to enjoy myself and I don’t want to alter my travel plans in the wake of the blast,” said Japanese tourist Kie Shimano, 30.

Mark Owen, 28, from the UK echoed a similar sentiment. “I will stick to my plan. I love India and will come back when I get the opportunity.”