Blast in Hyderabad: 5 Killed

In a gruesome incident, unidentified terrorists exploded a bomb in the 17th-century Mecca Masjid compound near Charminar in Hyderabad, killing at least five people and injuring 45 others. The blast took place in the compound of the mosque while Friday prayers were on. The injured have been rushed to nearby Osmania Hospital. The situation deteriorated with people protesting against the police and security agencies.

Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, the chief minister of Andhra Pradesh appealed for calm between Hindus and Muslims. About 10,000 people usually attend Friday prayers at the mosque, which is located in a Muslim neighborhood of Hyderabad, and the blast sparked a panic. Hyderabad is on high alert and search operations are on to nab the culprits.