Six-and-a-half months after the Mumbai 13/7 serial blasts case, the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad on Monday claimed it had cracked the case and arrested two persons, Naqi Ahmed Sheikh (22) and Nadeem Sheikh (23).
However, contrary to the Mumbai police’s claims, Central intelligence agencies feel the case is far from over as the two arrested suspects can at best be described as 'fringe elements'.
What has irked these agencies is that the probe into the Mumbai serial blasts was severely hampered due to an 'unprecedented turf war' between the Intelligence Bureau, Delhi police special cell and the Mumbai ATS.
The arrested men, both originally from Darbhagha, Bihar, had allegedly stolen the two-wheelers on which the bombs were placed at the blast sites. They had also allegedly provided logistical support to Indian Mujahideen cofounder Yasin Bhatkal, the main accused in the case, and two others still absconding.
According to the police, the arrested men were allegedly paid Rs 1.5 lakh for the operation and were also involved in bringing explosives into Mumbai and identifying targets.
The ATS has also applied afresh for arresting IM operative Haroon Rashid Naik, currently in jail facing a counterfeit currency case. Officers said Naik was a vital link in the module’s financial trail.
“Naqi and Nadeem had stolen the Honda Activa scooters on which bombs were planted at Zaveri Bazaar and Opera House. The scooter used in the Zaveri Bazaar blast was stolen from Khadilkar Road, Girgaum, while the one used in the Opera House blast was stolen from outside Harkisondas Hospital,” said ATS chief Rakesh Maria.
He also added that two more Honda Unicorn motorcycles stolen from Dongri and VP Road areas had been recovered from Darbangha.
Duplicate keys used for the scooter and the helmet of the original owner have been recovered from the duo, Mr Maria said, adding, “Naqi had provided the SIM cards used by the wanted accused during the blasts. Bhatkal had paid Rs 1.5 lakh to Naqi, and we have witnesses to corroborate this.”