Modified sketches of Samjhauta blast suspects released

Panipat, Feb 25 (UNI) The Haryana Police today released modified sketches of the two suspects in the twin blasts in the Samjhauta Express which left 68 people dead on February 18.

DIG (crime) R C Mishra, who heads the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the blasts, said the sketches had been modified after collecting vital details of the suspects and after consulting experts. The new sketches were clearer than the ones released on February 20, he said.

The Haryana Police has enhanced the reward money from Rs one lakh to Rs five lakh for any person giving clues about the whereabouts of the suspects, Mr Mishra said. The sketches of the two suspects were made on the basis of descriptions given by eyewitnesses.

The sketches are of two persons who were seen arguing with the RPF personnel in one of the coaches of the Samjhuata Express as it was running from Delhi towards Panipat on the night of the blasts.The two had claimed they had boarded the wrong train and wanted to get off the train. The RPF personnel had told them that they could alight from the train near Panipat where it slowed down.

The duo got off the train when it slowed down near Panipat and the blasts occurred some 15 minutes later. It was suspected that the duo might have planted explosives that led to blasts in the train.

As per eyewitnesses, one of those figuring in the sketch was stockey, between 35-36 years of age and had wheatish complexion. He was wearing pants, shirt and jacket. The other suspect, between 26-27 years, was dark and slim and had wrapped a muffler around his face.

Meanwhile, the police is yet to pinpoint the militant outfit which could be behind the blasts.The police has so far interrogated 30 to 35 people in connection with the blasts.

UNI