13/7 blasts: ATS records statement of suspect’s brother

The state anti-terrorism squad (ATS) on Sunday recorded the statement of Taqi Ahmed, brother of suspected Indian Mujahideen operative Naqi Ahmed.

In January, the ATS arrested Naqi and Nadeem Akhtar Ashfaq Shaikh, 23, for their alleged role in the blasts at Zaveri Bazaar, Kabutarkhana and Opera House on July 13, 2011. The Delhi police had claimed that Naqi was their informer.

“We required a few clarifications from Taqi and hence, his statement was recorded. He was at the Kalachowkie unit (of the ATS) from 11am to 5.30pm. He has been asked to come again on Monday,” said a senior ATS officer.

On March 2, the Supreme Court ordered Taqi’s statement be recorded even as it extended the interim protection from arrest granted to him until it hears his petition accusing the ATS of fabricating the case against him and seeking transfer of the probe to an independent agency, like the CBI.

“Taqi shall report to the ATS office at Mumbai and cooperate with the investigation,” the bench said. “Let the interim order continue till March 16 until further orders.”

The order came after senior counsel Shekhar Naph-ade appearing for the state government told the court that Taqi had been avoiding appearing before the ATS despite being served summons.