Prime suspect in German Bakery blast remanded in police custody till June 1

Abdul Samad Bhatkal, a prime suspect in the German Bakery blast in Pune, was today remanded in police custody till June 1 by a local court in connection with a 2009 illegal arms seizure case.

Samad was arrested by Maharashtra Anti Terrorism Squad (ATS) yesterday from Mangalore for allegedly supplying fire arms to three other arrested accused last year.
   
He was produced before the Mazgaon metropolitan magistrate. Asked by the court if he wanted a state-appointed lawyer to defend him, he said, "No. I would appoint a lawyer for myself at a later stage."

In August 2009, three persons were arrested from south Mumbai for possession of illegal firearms which, according to the ATS, were supplied by Abdul.

"In 2008, Abdul was picked up by Mangalore police for his alleged role in July 2008 blasts in Bangalore. However, he was let off due to lack of evidence after which he went to Dubai," ATS officials said.

Home minister P Chidambaram today said Abdul Bhatkal is the prime suspect in the German Bakery blast in Pune in February which left 17 people dead.

The ATS is also on the look-out for Yasin Bhatkal, a relative of Riyaz Bhatkal, founder of terror outfit Indian Mujahideen (IM).