Date:24/10/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/24/stories/2008102455571200.htm

National

Probe into Hindu group’s link to blasts

Mumbai: The Maharashtra police on Thursday said it was investigating the alleged involvement of a Hindu right-wing group in the blasts which occurred in Malegaon in Maharashtra and Modasa, Gujarat, on September 29.

“All aspects of the matter are being investigated and we cannot say at present if a particular organisation is behind it,” a senior Maharashtra police official said to a question whether an Indore-based Hindu group was involved.

According to media reports, suspects from an Indore-based extremist group, known to have links with the BJP student wing, Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, have been taken for questioning by the Maharashtra police.

“We are investigating the matter currently and will share the details of investigations at the appropriate time,” an ATS official said, without giving further details.

Home Minister R.R. Patil and Director-General of Police A.N. Roy declined to comment on the issue.

Five persons were killed in the Malegaon blast while one died in Modasa. In both incidents, bombs were placed on motorcycles parked in crowded areas. — PTI