Maharashtra cops differ on Pune blast accused’s role

MUMBAI - In an embarrassing development for the Maharashtra government, top officials of the state police Thursday appeared to differ over the role of Mirza Himayat Baig, nabbed in connection with the Feb 13 German Bakery terror blast in Pune.

Pune-based Deputy Inspector General of Police Ravindra Kadam Thursday told mediapersons that though Baig was a part of the blast conspiracy, he never travelled to Pune to carry out the blast.

This is in stark contrast to the announcement Sep 8 by Additonal Director General of Police and chief of Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) Rakesh Maria.

Maria said that Baig not only played a major role in the crime and conspiracy at the Global Internet Café in Udgir (Latur district), he also transported the bomb from Udgir to the targeted site in Pune.

The ATS chief simultaneously announced the arrest of Baig and his associate, Shaikh Lalbaba Ahmed Hussain Farid alias Bilal of Nashik, in connection with the German Bakery blast.

Pleased by the success achieved by the ATS after nearly eight months’ investigations, Chief Minister Ashok Chavan announced a reward of Rs.500,000 for the investigating team which cracked the case.

However, Kadam Thursday claimed that it was not Baig, but others like Mohsin Choudhary and Yasin Bhatkal who played the major role in the Pune blast.

Maria had said in Mumbai that the conspiracy of the bomb blast - which left 17 dead and over 50 injured - was hatched in Udgir.

“The conspiracy was hatched in Udgir in January. Baig travelled to Pune Jan 31 and recceed the German Bakery to identify the spots where the bomb could be planted,” Maria had said.

Despite repeated attempts, top government officials were not available for their comments in the matter till late Thursday evening.