Role of right-wing groups: NIA to continue probe in terror

NIA, tasked by the previous UPA government to probe terror strikes in which people affiliated to some right-wing groups were allegedly involved, today said investigations in all such cases will continue.

NIA Director General Sharad Kumar, who was meeting the press for the first time after taking over in July last year, was asked about the progress made in such cases.

"Investigation is on in these cases," Kumar replied promptly.

The NIA has been probing these cases where alleged role of right-wing groups' is suspected. The cases include the investigation in the blast in Samjhauta Express-- rail link between India and Pakistan -- in which more than 65 people were killed in February 2007.

Besides these, six other cases are being probed by the agency currently which include 2006 and 2008 Malegaon blasts, Mecca masjid blast in Hyderabad (2007), Ajmer blast in 2007 and killing of Hindu extremist leader Sunil Joshi.

The decision to hand over the cases to NIA was taken following concerns by security agencies that the suspects could use varying versions among different agencies in the multiple probe at the trial stage to dilute their cases.

NIA has filed charge sheets in all the cases.