Death Toll Rises in Mumbai Blasts

Posted July 25th, 2011 at 8:40 am (UTC-5)
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Indian officials say the death toll from the July 13 bomb blasts in Mumbai rose to 24 people on Monday, as another victim succumbed to his injuries.

Two other victims of the triple blasts that injured more than 130 died on Saturday.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attacks, which were the first in the city since the high-profile strike by Islamist militants in November 2008 that killed 166 people.

Officials say they believe the July 13 blasts were a coordinated terrorist attack.

Authorities are questioning suspected members of militant organizations and have also not ruled out involvement by Mumbai's criminal gangs.

Forensic examination of debris at the sites has indicated that ammonium nitrate – a common fertilizer ingredient – was used in the explosives. Officials say the improvised explosive devices used indicate some level of sophistication.

Peace talks between India and Pakistan were suspended following the 2008 attack and have recently resumed. The Pakistani government condemned the violence immediately after the blasts.