Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Dr Y S Rajasekhar Reddy on Saturday said the state government is ready to have a Central Bureau of Investigation probe into Friday's incidents even as Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil visited the historic Mecca Masjid where the blast had taken place during Friday prayers.
The twin cities of Hyderabad-Secunderabad are observing a bandh on a call given by the Majlis-e-Ittehaadul Muslimeen to protest against Friday's incidents.
While 10 persons died in the blast, four persons were killed in police firings.
"We are ready to order a CBI inquiry into the incident," the chief minister said, reacting to the demand of Hyderabad MP and Majlis-e-Ittehaadul Muslimeen leader Asaduddin Owaisi.
Dr Reddy and Patil consoled the family members of 15 persons killed in the blast and police firings. Interacting with them at Mecca Masjid, Dr Reddy said that the state government would provide ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh each to the families of the deceased, besides arranging government job for one member from each family.
"We don't want ex-gratia. We want justice," women of the victims' families told Patil. "We share your grief and sorrow," he consoled them.
Asaduddin Owaisi complained to the Union home minister that some youth protesting against the bomb blast at the mosque were killed in unprovoked police firings, thereby pushing up the death toll. He demanded the immediate shifting of Assistant Commissioner of Police, Charminar, B Reddanna, holding him responsible for excessive use of force and 'direct' police firings, resulting in deaths.
Responding to the MP's demand, the chief minister said: "OK. I will do it."
