At least five people have been killed in a blast outside a mosque in India's western Maharashtra state, police say.
At least five people have been killed in a blast outside a mosque in India's western Maharashtra state, police say.
Fifteen other people were injured in the explosion in the town of Malegaon, said state police chief PS Pasricha.
Fifteen other people were injured in the explosion in the town of Malegaon, said state police chief PS Pasricha.
Some police officials said three blasts occurred soon after Friday prayers, which were reportedly attended by thousands of worshippers.
Some police officials said three blasts occurred soon after Friday prayers, which were reportedly attended by thousands of worshippers.
Police are still unclear as to what caused Friday's blast, but the town has seen religious violence in the past.
Police are still unclear as to what caused Friday's blast, but the town has seen religious violence in the past.
Mr Pasricha said the situation was tense but under control in Malegaon, which is in Nashik district about 260km (160 miles) north-east of the state capital, Mumbai.
Mr Pasricha said the situation was tense but under control in Malegaon, which is in Nashik district about 260km (160 miles) north-east of the state capital, Mumbai.
Speaking at a news conference in Mumbai, Mr Pasricha said angry crowds had pelted stones at police after the blast.
Speaking at a news conference in Mumbai, Mr Pasricha said angry crowds had pelted stones at police after the blast.
He added that officers remained on alert throughout Maharashtra state.
He added that officers remained on alert throughout Maharashtra state.
Muslim-majority Malegaon, which has a large community of weavers, is a town with a history of communal rioting.
Earlier this year, the police recovered a large cache of arms and explosives from the area.
In October 2001, violence in protest at the US attacks on Afghanistan left a total of 12 people dead in the town.
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