Kochi, July 11 (IANS) The pipe bomb blast at the Kochi collectorate Friday was a planned one, police said Saturday.
The explosion took place around 3.10 p.m. in the staircase leading to the fifth floor of the building. Initially it was thought to be a fire but later forensic experts inspecting the site found that that it was a pipe bomb and identified a timer, ammonium nitrate and batteries.

Speaking to reporters after inspecting the site, state Director General of Police Jacob Punnose said that the police have got vital clues but were unable to divulge it presently.

“This is by no means a small blast and hence we are leaving nothing to chance. Our inquiries are now mostly centred around Kochi and also at a few other places,” said Punnose.

A special team headed by the chief of police intelligence Siby Mathew has been formed to inquire into the blast.

The Kerala government has submitted a report to the central government on the incident.

Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition Oommen Chandy alleged such events were happening because the morale of the police is at its lowest.

“This is due to the manner in which the state government is handling the police department,” he said.