Even as central agencies have not yet found any clear motive behind the serial blasts in Pune, investigators suspect the four blasts on the busy Jungli Maharaj Road could have been carried out to avenge the mysterious death of Mohammed Qateel Siddiqui, an operative of the Indian Mujahideen (IM), who was allegedly involved in the German Bakery blast in the city.
Detailed investigations into the four blasts and two defused bombs by experts of the National Security Guard (NSG) have revealed the use of ammonium nitrate, which had been used by IM in its earlier terror strikes.
The new Union home minister, Sushilkumar Shinde, has said the government has taken the attack very seriously. Senior officials of the home ministry have said the blasts were a handiwork of a terrorist group, but so far , have not named any terror organisation responsible for the strikes.
“Since the blasts have taken place within an area of 500 metres and within a span of 45 minutes, it appears to be a coordinated act. I am sure there was a plan behind it. They have examined two IEDs (improvised explosive device) which had not exploded. There are three detonators in each and other peculiarity. Investigation is going on and we are making progress,” said R K Singh, the home secretary.
Siddiqui was suspected to be one of the key members of IM, who had also played an active role in the Chinnaswamy blast case in Bangalore in 2010. The alleged terrorist was strangled inside the Pune jail in June this year where the Maharashtra police had taken him for questioning from Delhi. Investigations in the mysterious death of Siddiqui have not yielded any breakthrough so far. Investigators believe Siddiqui had worked closely with Yasin Bhatkal, the alleged mastermind of IM in India.
The ministry of home affairs is also annoyed with the Pune police for making public statements soon after the blasts that there was nothing to be worried about and that people needn’t be cautious while coming out of their homes.
In the course of investigations, the Maharashtra police have also detained a bicycle shop owner and his helper for questioning. Police have managed to find out the shop from where the bicycles were purchased for planting bombs.
