Lucknow, India: November 23, 2007 - Five bombs blast in three cities of Varanasi, Lucknow and Faisabad killing thirteen persons of which nine were killed in Varanasi, four in Faizabad.Around 7 people were injured.  

All the blasts went off in and around civil courts. These bombs are believed to have been tied on bicycles parked there. According to authorities, some pellets were recovered similar to those in Hyderabad blasts three months back.

Though the Home Ministry says it's a terrorist strike meant to disturb communal harmony, Dr. Raj Baldev, Chairman, National Integration Assembly (NIA) said:

 “ I feel that the incident has link with those three terrorists who were arrested in connection with the three Pakistani nationals who were trained in Pakistan to kidnap Rahul Gandhi and were they sent to Lucknow to achieve their target. The govt. should not ignore this possibility.”

Sriprakash Jaiswal, Minister of State for Home said, “There were simultaneous blasts in three cities. This makes it clear these blasts are a result of a deep conspiracy. I can't say which organization is behind the incident. But the motive could be to disturb communal harmony and to create fear and terror among the people. My appeal to the people of Uttar Pradesh is to remain united and defeat the motives of such terrorists,''

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati expressed sympathy for the victims and announced Rs 2 lakh as compensation to the kins of the dead and Rs 50,000 to the injured.

Addressing a press meet, Mayawati said the state STF is on high alert and that the Central Intelligence Agencies did not warn of any possible blasts.