Pune blast accused identified: Maha govt

The Maharashtra government today said police have identified the February 13 Pune blast accused.

"The police department has zeroed in on the Pune blast accused. We have identified them and will soon reveal more information about the case," Home Minister R R Patil told the Legislative Council.

He also said there is coordination between Central and state agencies on security issue. "The state government received 35 alerts during January to March this year. Security measures were taken based on the terror alerts," Patil said.

On law and order situation, the minister said crime rates have declined in the state and quoted figures from last year data. "Murders and dacoity have gone down by five per cent, theft by three per cent, riots by 13 per cent, damage in communal riots by 66 per cent and crime against women by 2 per cent," Patil said.

On people working in the state on tourist visa, Patil said, "There are complaints that people from Bangladesh, Nigeria and Nepal come on tourist visa and work here. The Home Department would not allow it."