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Blast near UDF meeting venue: probe team inspects spot

Staff Reporter

Culprits will be brought to book soon, says Arun Kumar Sinha

PATHANAMTHITTA: Inspector General of Police Arun Kumar Sinha said the investigation into the minor blast that occurred near the meeting venue of the Leader of the Opposition, Oommen Chandy, at Vennikkulam on January 17 was progressing and the culprits would brought to book soon.

Mr. Sinha was talking to The Hindu after inspecting the spot of the blast on Saturday afternoon.

He said the police had already arrested four persons in connection with the alleged assault on Congressman Lalu Thomas and his son.

The IG said three other persons were arrested the other day for allegedly attacking the rally organised by the United Democratic Front on January 11, protesting against the alleged assault on the Mr. Thomas

Mr. Sinha said forensic experts were examining the pieces of the explosive material that went off near the venue and the live cartridge recovered.

He said it was too early to reach any conclusion, adding that the police had certain key clues, which could be helpful.

He said a team headed by Pathanamthitta Dy.SP C.G. Sureshkumar was probing the case.

The IG also obtained the statements of the local MLA, Joseph M. Puthusserry, during his visit to Vennikkulam on Saturday.

Mr. Puthusserry alleged that the `so-called' arrests were nothing but `adjustment arrests' in a `frantic effort to save the real culprits.'

The MLA alleged that all those arrested were habitual offenders against whom several criminal cases were pending at the Koipram police station.

Deputy Inspector General of Police Nithin Agarwal and District Superintendent of Police M.N. Jayaprakash also accompanied Mr. Sinha.

Mr. Sinha also convened a meeting of police officials, later at the Koipram police station, to take stock of the situation.

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