Date:13/09/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/09/13/stories/2006091320501400.htm

National

Malegaon blasts: `police closing in on perpetrators'

Special Correspondent

State police, Central agencies working in tandem: Deputy Chief Minister

Pat for Hindu, Muslim leaders in Malegaon for ensuring peace and harmony

About 50 persons questioned, says SP

MUMBAI: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister R.R. Patil said here on Tuesday that police investigators were closing in on the terrorists who placed deadly bombs in Malegaon.

Mr. Patil said he would not be specific for that could help the perpetrators but "the police are probing both the angles — Hindu and Muslim — for their [perpetrators'] objective was to foment riots between the two communities."

Asked about the demand for a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation made by Maulana Madani and some political leaders, Mr. Patil, who is in charge of the Home department, said the State police and several Central agencies were working in tandem in the investigation.

He lauded the Hindu and Muslim leaders in Malegaon who cooperated with the police in maintaining peace and harmony.

"A Muslim cleric rode a police jeep and moved from neighbourhood to neighbourhood and appealed for peace standing on the vehicle's bonnet," Mr. Patil said.