KARACHI: A possible terrorism bid was averted when a 20-kg remote-controlled bomb planted near a shopping centre in Karachi’s busy Hyderi market area was defused on Tuesday, DawnNews reported.

Sources said that panic and fear gripped the area upon the information of a bomb planted near a shopping centre in Karachi’s Hyderi area.

Police and Rangers reached the spot and the bomb disposal squad was promptly called for.

The bomb disposal squad analysed the bomb after defusing it and submitted its initial investigation report to the police.

Sources said that the bomb weighed 20 kilograms and ample amount of ball-bearings were used in is making, whereas a detonator, two batteries a fuse cord were also used in its construction.

The bomb was installed with a remote-control device.

Police sources added that bombs of similar makes were used in the foiled terror attempts at the Chinese consulate in Clifton Karachi, the Sachal Rangers headquarters on the Superhighway, Jinnah Hospital and near Safoorah Chowk.

Moreover similar bombs were also used in the attack on Suparco bus and on a Ranger vehicle in Landhi.

Experts said that had the bomb exploded it would have caused damage in a 100 metre radius and extreme damage within a 50 mtere radius wheras it would have caused devastation within a 25 metre radius.