CID arrests one SIMI activist in Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad, Jul 27 (UNI) Crime Branch sleuths here today arrested one SIMI activist Abdul Halim, who was wanted in connection with the post Godhra riots.

City's Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) Ashish Bhatia told UNI that Halim was arrested by the crime branch officials after a combing operation conducted at his specific hide-out in the city.

Mr Bhatia said the operation was conducted by the CID officials on the basis of a tip-off given by the Delhi Polcie which led to the arrest of Halim.

Mr Bhatia, however, denied that Halim was arrested in connection with yesterday's serial bomb blasts in Ahmedabad that killed as many as 45 people.

''But, we would definitely explore possibilities of his involvement in the yesterday's serial blasts,'' Mr Bhatia added.

The history sheeter Halim was wanted by the city crime branch for luring the misguided youths of the post-Godhra riot affected families in and around Ahmedabad and taking them to Uttar Pradesh.

After selecting youths, Halim used to to send them across the border for training, Mr Bhatia added.

(Eds: pick up suitably from earlier series) UNI MP SK CS2214