Faulty chips in bombs saved Surat, say experts

“Initial inspection of the bombs conducted by experts here have led to the belief that the design of the timer circuits of these bombs was faulty,” Additional Director at DFS Gandhinagar M S Dahiya said.

The examination has revealed that the integrated circuit chips used in all the bombs were similar, he said.

“Investigations are still on to check if there could be any other reason for non-detonation of these bombs,” Dahiya said, adding the chips are being re-examined by appropriate experts from the industry.

The circuit used in the Surat bombs, however, was different from that used in the Ahmedabad explosives. Unlike the chips used in Surat bombs, the explosives used for the Ahmedabad blasts had analogue timer devices.

Surat police, who have registered five FIRs in connection with the bomb recoveries, are baffled and are relying mainly on forensic evidence to help them in probe.

“Bombs were kept in uncanny places like behind bill boards and atop trees,” pointed out a puzzled Surat police commissioner R M S Brar.

“So far information about most bombs came from the public,” he said, adding police information network is being used to trace those who planted these explosives.