More arrests likely in Malegaon blast case: ATS

MUMBAI: Maharashtra ATS has got "new material and good information" from the interrogation of Praveen Mutalik, behind the bars for his alleged role in the 2008 Malegaon blast case and some more arrests are likely in connection with the explosion, said chief of the squad today.

"During the interrogation of Mutalik, we have got good information and new material which had been recorded. He told us about the boys who underwent training of bomb making, using of weapons and marshal arts. The names of boys are with us," Anti Terrorism Squad (ATS) Chief Rakesh Maria claimed.

Praveen Venkatesh Takalki alias Praveen Mutalik, a member of radical Hindu outfit Abhinav Bharat, was arrested from Gokak town in Belgaum district of Karnataka on January 31 by the ATS in the 2008 blast case.

The 32-year-old had worked as a personal secretary to Lt Colonel Shrikant Prasad Purohit, another key accused held in the case, for three months before the blast.

"Purohit and Mutalik used to scout for boys who could be used for such (terror) activities. Mutalik has given us the names of the boys who underwent training under his supervision," the IPS officer added.

The statements of the "boys" have been recorded before a magistrate, Maria said adding, "Some would be arrested in the blast case while some would be taken as witnesses."

Six people had been killed and scores wounded in the bomb blast on September 29, 2008, in communally sensitive powerloom town Malegaon in Nashik district. Maria refused to divulge more information but said, "the ATS would soon file supplementary chargesheet in the court."

The ATS has so far arrested 12 persons including prime accused Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur and Lt Colonel Shrikant Purohit, members of the same right-wing Hindu group.