At least seven people have been killed in two separate bomb explosions in Muslim-dominated neighbourhoods in western India, police say.
At least seven people have been killed in two separate bomb explosions in Muslim-dominated neighbourhoods in western India, police say.
Five people died in a blast near a mosque in Malegaon, about 260km (160 miles) from Maharashtra's state capital, Mumbai.
Five people died in a blast near a mosque in Malegaon, about 260km (160 miles) from Maharashtra's state capital, Mumbai.
Two others were killed in an explosion in the Sabarkantha district in the neighbouring state of Gujarat.
Two others were killed in an explosion in the town of Modasa in the neighbouring state of Gujarat.
India has been hit by a number of explosions in recent weeks.
India has been hit by a number of explosions in recent weeks.
Nobody has taken responsibility for the explosions yet.
Nobody has claimed responsibility for the latest attacks which happened on Monday night.
Two weeks ago, five bombs ripped through busy shopping areas in Delhi, killing at least 20 people. Nearly 50 were killed in Ahmadabad in July.
Police say they have arrested the head of a group claiming the attacks - Mohammed Arif Sheikh, described as the founder of the Indian Mujahideen (IM).
High alert
High alert
The latest blasts happened late on Monday.
In the Malegaon attack, more than 100 people, including policemen, were injured.
At least five people died and over 100 others, including policemen, were injured in the explosion near a mosque in the sensitive Malegaon area.
Two years ago, at least 37 people were killed and more than 125 others injured in bombings at a Muslim graveyard in the town.
Two years ago, at least 37 people were killed and more than 125 others injured in bombings at a Muslim graveyard in the town.
In October 2001, violent protests against the US attacks on Afghanistan left a total of 12 people dead in Malegaon.
In October 2001, violent protests against the US attacks on Afghanistan left a total of 12 people dead in Malegaon.
The police say they are investigating Monday's explosion. Security has been tightened in the area.
Security has been tightened in the area.
In Gujarat, two people were killed and at least 16 injured in an explosion in Modasa town in the Sabarkantha district.
In the Gujarat attack, police said two men on a motorcycle dropped a bag containing a bomb in a crowded market.
The police said two men came riding a motorcycle in a crowded market and dropped a bag containing the bomb in the area.
The bomb went off when a local resident picked up the bag.
The explosion happened when a local resident picked up the bag.
A similar incident happened over the weekend in Delhi when a bomb blast at a market killed one person and injured at least 15 others.
A similar incident happened over the weekend in Delhi when a bomb blast at a market killed one person and injured at least 15 others.
Cities across India are on high alert for the past week after the string of explosions.
Cities across India have been on high alert after recent attacks.
The government says its main concern is to stop religious violence flaring up and has asked people to keep calm.
The government says its main concern is to stop religious violence flaring up and has asked people to keep calm.
Two weeks ago, five bombs ripped through busy shopping areas in Delhi, killing at least 20 people. Nearly 50 were killed in Ahmedabad in July.
Some of the attacks have been claimed by a group calling itself the Indian Mujahideen. Police say they have arrested its leader, Mohammed Arif Sheikh.
In separate violence, one person was killed in rioting between Hindus and Muslims in the Mumbai suburb of Thane on Monday night. The death followed arguments over putting up a display for the Hindu festival of Navaratra.
Are you in the Malegaon or Sabarkantha areas? Have you been affected by the explosions? Send us your comments using the form below:
Are you in the Malegaon or Sabarkantha areas? Have you been affected by the explosions? Send us your comments using the form below:
