Jamait leader demands CBI probe in Nanded, Ghatkopar blasts

Mumbai, May 25 (UNI) Noted Islamic scholar and newly-elected Jamait Ulama-I-Hind president Maulana Arshad Madni today demanded a CBI probe into the recent blasts in Nanded and Ghatkopar and action against the culprits who triggered the explosions.

''The administration has failed to take action against the people involved in the blasts in Nanded and Ghatkopar. We demand that the administration should take action against people irrespective of their religious affiliation,'' Mr Madni said on his arrival at the Mumbai airport here.

''Fake beard and a 'kurta' was recovered from the blast site, and this indicates that this was an attempt to foment communal trouble,'' he alleged and demanded that a CBI probe be conducted to unravel the truth.

On a day-long visit to the metropolis, the religious scholar said the Centre should pass a comprehensive law against communal riots and also prevent activities of communal organisations.

He lamented that many Muslims have been branded as terrorists and killed in fake police encounters. ''While members of RSS and VHP have been alleged to have hands in killing of two Muslim children in Vadodara, the administration has not taken any action,'' he pointed out.

Mr Madni pointed out that in the last few months more than 30,000 farmers have committed suicide. Expressing concern over this, he demanded that the Centre and the State governments must bail farmers out of their financial crunch and initiate welfare schemes for them.

Meanwhile, the religious leader demanded that there should be reservation for Muslims in private and public sectors and educational institutions, based on their population. ''Fair representation in political institutions like Parliament and Legislative Assemblies must be given to Muslim community,'' he demanded.

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