NEW DELHI, March 8 (UPI) -- Indian security agencies have launched an intensive hunt for bombers responsible for blasts in the holy city of Varanasi Tuesday.
The federal government has announced a nationwide alert.
The Hindu newspaper said Wednesday police forces and intelligence bureaus in five Indian states have begun investigating the terrorist attack at Varanasi.
"Authorities in Andhra Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Maharashtra and Gujarat have been asked to share intelligence inputs on the pan-India terror networks that executed the Varanasi bombings," a news report said.
Three bombs exploded at a crowded temple and railway station in northern Varanasi, killing 21 people and injuring 62. Indian intelligence agencies believe Lashkar-e-Toiba to be responsible.
Meanwhile, the federal government has put a number of states on high alert to avert the reoccurrence of any such incident in other parts of the country.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Interior Minister Shivraj Patil have condemned the blasts, appealing to people to maintain peace and calm.
"The Prime Minister is monitoring the situation," said Sanjay Baru, Singh's media advisor.
"I have spoken to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav. The home secretary is in constant touch with top state officials," Patil said.
The interior ministry has placed five central reserve force companies at the disposal of the state government and held a high-level meeting to review the situation.
"A high alert was issued to all states, and the capital was placed on high alert," said Patil.
