The explosion in the historic Mecca mosque in Hyderabad was caused by a crude bomb, Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil said on Friday.

Apart from that, there were two live bombs recovered from the spot and defused, he said after he spoke to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy.

"So far we have information that there have been five deaths following a crude bomb explosion. We have already put the Rapid Action Force stationed in Hyderabad at the disposal of the state government," Patil said.

"Investigations have already begun and we have rushed a forensic team to the blast site," he said.

The priority now was to provide immediate relief to those injured and to the kin of the deceased, Patil said.