Material for 50-60 bombs brought to city from Pune

Mateen.Hafeez@timesgroup.com

 

Mumbai: After recovering chemical powder during the raid in Nalasopara last month, the ATS had sent it to the state forensic science laboratory (FSL) at Kalina for chemical analysis. A report submitted by it has confirmed that the powders are explosive by nature. Besides 18.5kg of a grainy, white powder, there are 150gm of nitrate and 3.5kg of aluminium powder—both used to create impact in explosions—1.5kg charcoal powder (used as a catalyst for burning) and 1.9kg sulphur (to enhance the burning energy). 

The chemical powders were enough to make 50-60 bombs, sources said. The entire raw material was stored in Pune, however, since there was no immediate plan to prepare bombs and cause explosion, it was shifted to Nalasopara. The material would make low-intensity bombs, which are unlikely to cause widespread damage or loss of lives, but could have fanned terror.

The expiry of the bombs depends upon the climate, humidity, etc of the place where they are stored. “The seized bombs will be destroyed with court’s permission,” the sources said.

The ATS, which busted the terror module last month, has so far arrested nine suspects, including Raut, Sharad Kalaskar and former corporator Shrikant Pangarkgar, termed as the chief fund raiser. They were planning blasts in five cities in the state, like Mumbai, Pune, Satara, and Sholapur, and had drawn up a hit-list of prominent personalities, including rationalist Narendra Dabholkar’s daughter Mukta, activist Shyam Manav, and NCP MLA Jitendra Ahvad.

The group wanted to target those who spoke against Hinduism or portrayed Hindus in a poor light, said police sources. “Most of the accused were social media-savvy and were very active. We are scanning their social media profiles and posts. It will give us more information about the suspects and their ideology,” said a source.

The Times of India, September 15, 2018
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Bike used by Lankesh killers seized by ATS

Prafulla.Marpakwar@timesgroup.com

 

Mumbai: A year after journalist-turned-activist Gauri Lankesh was shot dead at her house in Bengaluru, the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad led by IPS officer Atulchandra Kulkarni has identified the vehicle used by her killers. 

A senior IPS officer on Friday told TOI that the motorcycle used by the assailants has been identified and would be handed over to Karnataka’s Special Investigation Team. “During the investigation after huge explosives were found in a house in Nalasopara, a motorcycle was found on the outskirts of Maharashtra. We submitted specific details of the vehicle to the SIT. It was confirmed that the vehicle was used by the assailants for killing Gauri Lankesh. The vehicle will be handed over to the SIT after completing legal formalities,’’ the IPS officer said.

The IPS officer said one of the accused has confessed that he shot dead Gauri Lankesh on the evening of September 5 last year. “We are in constant touch with senior IPS officials associated with Karnataka’s SIT and there is exchange of information. As a result, there was progress in the investigation. The SIT has so far detained 10 suspects in the Gauri Lankesh murder case. The probe may reach a conclusive stage soon,’’ he said.

The Times of India, September 15, 2018