ATS working within rules, says Deshmukh

GONDIA: Rejecting allegations levelled against the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) in the Malegaon blast probe, Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh on Tuesday said the state agency was working well within the rules.

It was this very ATS that carried out investigations into several important cases during the Shiv Sena-BJP rule in the state, he told reporters here in eastern Maharashtra.

"Why no fingers were raised against it during that time," he asked.

The ATS has arrested 11 people for the September 29 blast that killed six persons. Arrested accused Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur and Lt Col Prasad Purohit among others have alleged torture by the ATS in custody.

The accused have also said they have been falsely implicated in the case by the ATS.

Deshmukh was interacting with mediapersons at Birsi airport here on his way to neighbouring Madhya Pradesh for election campaigning.

He expressed confidence the Congress would perform well in six states, including Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Delhi, where assembly polls are being held.

On the Marathi issue, Deshmukh said Maharashtra has a rich culture and is perhaps the only state to conduct exams in seven regional languages.

On the ban on film "Deshdrohi", he said the move was temporary and has been taken after considering the law and order situation in the state which recently witnessed violence against north Indians.