A set of geophysical measurements and observations was undertaken to investigate the nature of the crust beneath the epicentral region of the deadly Mw 6.1 Latur earthquake of September 30, 1993. With an estimated focal depth of 2.6 km and the associated well defined but subtle surface ruptures, it is a rare stable continental region (SCR) earthquake with surface rupture. The focal depth of 69 out of 73 well located aftershocks is less than 5.5 km. Broad band (103--10-3 Hz) magnetotelluric (MT) soundings reveal the presence of an anomalously high conductivity zone at a shallow depth range of 6--10 km. Consistent with this result is the observation of a Pc phase, lagging behind the Pg phase by about 0.6 to 0.8 sec in the aftershock seismograms indicating a low velocity layer (LVL) at 7 to 10 km depth. A Bouguer gravity low of 5 m.gal, nearly coincident with this feature, is also observed. Above evidences indicate that the focal zone of the Latur earthquake sequence is limited to depths of about 5 to 6 km in the upper crust by an underlying low-velocity and high conductivity layer. We interpret this high conductive, low velocity layer as a fluid filled fractured rock matrix. The inferred stress regime, including due to uplift of the Deccan Plateau, triggered by erosion of basalt cover is likely to be confined mostly in the upper part of the crust. Existence of a low velocity, high conductivity fluid filled layer will enhance stress concentration in the uppermost brittle part of the crust causing mechanical failure. ¿ American Geophysical Union 1996