Pranab condemns Chennai blasts

In a message to Dr. K. Rosaiah, Governor of Tamil Nadu, the President has said “I am saddened to learn about the tragic loss of life and injuries caused to innocent travellers in the explosions that occurred in Chennai today.

He said: "Such senseless acts of violence deserve the strongest condemnation. No efforts should be spared in bringing the perpetrators of this heinous attack to justice. I am confident that the State Government and other agencies will do the needful to provide all possible aid to the affected families”.

According to reports, the blasts occurred around 7.30 am in the sleeper coaches S4 and S5 of  Train No.12509, Bangalore-Guwahati Express as it entered platform number 9 of the station. Both coaches were damaged in the blasts.

The woman who lost her life in the incident was identified as Swati, 24. She was an employee of the Tata Consultancy Services (TCS).

The Railways announced a compensation of Rs 1 lakh to the family of the woman killed in the blasts.

Of the 14 injured, condition of two are serious and they are being operated upon, said the Railways.

All injured were admitted to Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital.

"There were two separate low intensity blasts inside the train. The police are investigating the matter," said Southern Railways General Manager Rakesh Mishra.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa on Thursday ordered Crime Branch-Crime Investigation Department (CB-CID) probe into the incident.

Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde has offered all forms of assistance to the state government.