Two Bihar cadre IPS officers — one on Central deputation to the National Investigation Agency, superintendent Vikas Vaibhav (2003 batch), and the other East Champaran’s SP Vinay Kumar (1991 batch) — are said to be behind cracking the trail on Yasin Bhatkal with help from the IB, Research and Analysis Wing and the police forces of several states.
Mr Vaibhav reportedly got important leads about the Indian Mujahideen co-founder being holed up in Bihar after he started camping in Bodh Gaya to investigate the serial blasts in the world-famous Buddhist temple town last month.
The arrest of IM operative Anwar Hussain Mullick, 42, from a Kolkata bus stop reportedly blew the cover on Yasin’s hideout.
Mr Kumar then traced Yasin with the help of local inputs, gave logistical support to the National Investigation Agency and kept the entire operation under wraps.
“Yasin’s arrest was under due process of law. We have verified his identity. He was arrested by the NIA and produced before the local court within 24 hours of being arrested,” Bihar DGP Abhayanand said.