Mumbai Blasts: ATS, Crime Branch Quiz Indian Mujahideen Men, Others

The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad and the Mumbai Crime Branch have questioned a number of people, including two arrested Indian Mujahideen operatives, and those with underworld links in a bid to get clues on Wednesday's serial blasts, killing 18 and injuring more than hundred others.

Home ministry sources have not ruled out underworld connection to the serial blasts.

In what could be a breakthrough, security agencies have identified the owner of the two-wheeler, in which the explosive material was planted at Zaveri Bazaar.

The two suspected IM operatives, who were arrested recently with fire-arms, had allegedly provided vehicles that were used in 2008 serial blasts in Gujarat, in which 56 people were killed and over 200 were injured.

Officials of the ATS and the crime branch have also activated their human intelligence networks as they sought maximum help from their informers across Maharashtra.

ATS officials say they have a reason to believe that Wednesday's suspects may not have used sophisticated technology to execute the blasts, which is why investigators are depending upon human intelligence and are verifying information to get some clues.

Investigators are also scanning CCTV footage from blast sites at Opera House and Zaveri Bazar.

Investigators have also identified three people at Khau Gali in Opera House, whose movement was found to be highly suspicious.

In a clear sign of the expanding probe, an NIA team will go to Ahmedabad after the owner of the scooter, on which the explosives were kept in Zaveri Bazar, was identified as a resident of Gujarat.

Posted in: Breaking News