Three more live bombs were recovered in Surat as Central security agencies were still groping in the dark about the perpetrators of the terror acts in Gujarat, which claimed 53 lives.

"Investigators are working on certain leads. But right now we have nothing to share," a top Union Home Ministry official said.

The Home Ministry, which is in constant touch with Gujarat government officials, is helping in probing the serial explosions as well recovery of 21 bombs in Surat.

"The bombs found in Surat have a striking similarity with bombs used in Bangalore as in both places the explosives were made using Integrated Circuits," the official said. Bombs fitted with timers were used in the Ahmedabad serials explosions.

Forensic analysis

However, experts from the Directorate of Forensic Science (DFS), Gandhinagar - who analysed the bombs found in Surat on Tuesday - said that the faulty design of the circuits apparently saved the city from a catastrophe.

"Initial inspections of the bombs conducted by experts have led to the belief that the design of the timer circuits of these bombs was faulty," Additional Director at DFS Gandhinagar MS Dahiya told PTI.

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 RMS 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.

Manpower shortage

Meanwhile, the Home Ministry is worried over the fact that a large number of posts in Gujarat Police are lying vacant, hampering proper policing as well investigations into crimes.

"In Surat alone, out of the total strength of 3,500 police personnel, 500 to 700 posts are presently lying vacant," the official said.

The Centre is now contemplating to ask all state governments to start the process of recruitment two-three years in advance anticipating vacancy.

"We have already started such a practice in central forces like CRPF and BSF. This is very helpful. We want the states to follow it at their level too," he said.

‘Proxy war’

Also on Wednesday, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi visited the jittery diamond city. During his visit, Modi announced a reward of Rs 51 lakh for information leading to the terrorists involved in them.

With terrorists targeting cities like Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Mumbai and Hyderabad, their aim seemingly was to cripple financial activities in the country, he said.

As many as 12 big terror strikes have taken place in the country in the last two years, he said highlighting the need to firmly fight this "proxy war" being waged by the terrorists, he stressed.

Two explosive-laden cars were also found in this diamond hub on Sunday. The cars had been stolen from Navi Mumbai. Police released the sketch of a suspect who had parked one of the cars in Heerabaugh area.

Praising people's alertness in timely detecting the bombs, Modi announced rewards of Rs 21,000 for each of those who gave information about the explosives in Surat and Ahmedabad.

"It was due to the alertness of the people of Surat and police action that a terrorist act was thwarted in the city," he said.

The Chief Minister also asked the people to remain alert and ignore rumours. To a question about possible leads in Surat bomb planting case, Modi said, "investigation is still going on."

The chief minister was accompanied by Food and Civil Supplies Minister Narottam Patel and state police chief P C Pande.

As a precautionary measure, the Surat administration has ordered closure of schools, colleges, shopping malls and parks on Wednesday.