The Hindu : Front Page : Hunt on for 5 Indian Mujahideen cadre

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Tuesday, Sep 16, 2008
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Hunt on for 5 Indian Mujahideen cadre

Devesh K. Pandey

Police trying to get the custody of Abul Bashar Qasmi from Uttar Pradesh

Bombs used in Delhi blasts identical to those planted in Ahmedabad and Jaipur
Over two dozen people questioned in connection with Saturday’s blasts

NEW DELHI: The Delhi police have launched a hunt for five members of the core group of terror outfit Indian Mujahideen that was allegedly involved in the recent Ahmedabad blasts.

The police are also trying to get the custody of Abul Bashar Qasmi, the alleged mastermind behind the blasts in Ahmedabad, for interrogation.

Abul Bashar was arrested at his native place at Azamgarh in Uttar Pradesh following the Ahmedabad serial blasts. Apart from him, 18 others have been arrested in that case so far. During interrogation, Abul Bashar had purportedly disclosed that he had stayed in New Delhi from July 24 to 26 and met some locals. Acting on the information, the Delhi police are trying to track down those who had given him shelter.

“We are trying to bring him here so that facts emerging from the investigations can be cross-checked. He can also help identify and locate his contacts here,” said a senior police officer.

Since it is now confirmed that the bombs used in the Delhi blasts were identical to those planted in Ahmedabad and Jaipur, the police are now almost sure that other members of the group who are absconding had masterminded the explosions here. Local elements could have been employed for logistical support, they said.

Abdul Subhan Qureshi alias Tauqeer, a techie from Mumbai said to be a close confidant of Abul Bashar, tops the most-wanted list. Tauqeer and Bashar had allegedly chalked out the entire plan — from selecting targets to smuggling explosives and planting bombs through foot soldiers — for carrying out the blasts in Ahmedabad.

Another member of the core team is Qayamuddin from Vadodara, an alleged member of the banned outfit Students Islamic Movement of India, who had allegedly executed the operational part of the plan. The others are Rajik, Mujib and Alamjeb Afridi, who had allegedly procured bicycles and planted bombs in different parts of Ahmedabad.

The police have so far questioned over two dozen people in connection with the Delhi blasts. They are also recording the statements of the witnesses and victims for clues to the identity of those involved.

According to Mool Chand, the driver whose auto-rickshaw was blown apart in the blast in Karol Bagh, the suspect had hired his vehicle at Paharganj. Upon reaching the Gaffar Market, he asked Mool Chand to wait for him and went to the market on the other side of the road leaving behind a bag in the auto-rickshaw that apparently exploded after a few minutes. Mool Chand, who was standing nearby, sustained injuries in the head and other parts of the body.

Mool Chand told the police that the suspect was fair complexioned and lean, about 5 feet 6 inches tall and sported stubbles. He had short hair, wore a monkey cap and was carrying a khaki, military-green or grey colour bag.

Based on the descriptions provided by the witnesses, the police are trying to prepare the sketches of those who planted the bombs. Police teams from Gujarat and Rajasthan are also here to assist the Delhi police. The death toll in the blasts rose to 25 on Monday.

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