Pres. Putin orders top security officials to step up their
investigation of the bomb explosion that took place in a crowded Moscow
subway on Aug. 8. Putin issues his instruction at a meeting with his
leading ministers and the director of the security service, the FSB. (It
appears the emphasis of the inquiry has shifted away from suspicions
that Chechen rebels carried out the attack. The bomb exploded in a
subway during a busy rush-hour period. 11 people were killed and more
than 90 wounded - many are still in a critical condition.) Many blamed
the Chechens for the bomb. Mayor of Moscow, Yury Luzhkov, said there was
almost 100% proof that Chechen separatists were involved. However, on
Aug. 9, police released 2 men - one from Chechnya - earlier arrested on
suspicion of planting the device. On Aug. 12, Nikolai Yakovlev, deputy
head of the investigation, tells Russian TV that several different lines
of enquiry were being pursued. He says: "The Chechen connection is
not a priority. We are checking other avenues thoroughly". (3
injured survivors of the blast died in hospital on Aug. 11, bringing the
total number of deaths to 11.) Officials warn the figure could rise, as
many of the injured are in serious condition. On Aug. 10, a group of 10
prominent Chechen businessmen offered a reward of US$100,000 for
information about an attack they believe was aimed at the policies of
Putin's government.
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