Man picked up in Indore plotted Malegaon blast

MUMBAI: The state Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) believes that it is close to solving the jigsaw of the September 29 Malegaon blast with the alleged mastermind, Sameer Kulkarni, in police net. Kulkarni, who hails from Pune, is said to be a former member of the BJP’s student wing Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP).

Director-general of Madhya Pradesh police had on Sunday confirmed that Kulkarni, around 35, was picked up by Maharashtra ATS for questioning from Indore.
Kulkarni’s family at his Pune home refuses to speak to the media, alleging that the police were harassing them.

“Investigations have revealed that Kulkarni is the planner of the Malegaon blast,” said a Maharashtra police officer requesting anonymity. Kulkarni, who  had shifted to Indore around four years ago, was in touch with a colonel and a major — both retired and residents of Pune, the officer said.

“He (Kulkarni) had sought their help on the use of explosives and its procurement. The two retired armymen would be arrested and charged with criminal conspiracy,” said the officer.  

Sources said Kulkarni hatched the blast conspiracy with sadhvi Prayga Thakur and other two already arrested in connection with the blast.