The New Nation - Internet Edition

BBC Online

At least six people have been killed and many more wounded after a series of bomb blasts tore through the city of Jaipur in western India, police say.

The bombs went off near historic monuments in the crowded old city at one of the busiest times of the day.

The head of state police said it was a terrorist attack. Reports suggest the death toll could rise much higher. Jaipur, in Rajasthan, is a popular tourist destination about 260km (160 miles) from the Indian capital, Delhi.

No group has admitted planting bombs in Jaipur, and it is not yet clear what a motive for attacking the city might be.

There have been sporadic bomb attacks around India in recent years. The police have had little success in bringing prosecutions.

At least five blasts were heard in Jaipur, capital of Rajasthan state, early on Tuesday evening, each a few minutes apart. The series of explosions started at around 1915 local time. Reports say bombs were placed in cars or shops.

The blasts were in the crowded areas of the old city including several markets.

One happened close to Jaipur's most famous landmark, the historic Hawa Mahal, or palace of winds.

Jaipur is an extremely popular stop on India's primary tourist circuit known as "The Golden Triangle", which takes in the Taj Mahal and the historic sites of Rajasthan.

On Tuesdays many devotees flock to a popular shrine in Jaipur's old city.