Gujarat police take custody of SIMI activist

Belgaum, Sept 23 (UNI) The Gujarat police today took into custody Ryazuddin, a suspected key SIMI operator, for investigation in connection with July 26 serial blasts in Ahmedabad.

The suspect, who was arrested in Davangere district in January this year, had been in Hindalaga jail near here. He was taken by the Gujarat police, who arrived here and took the body warrant of the undertrial from a city court.

Prior to taking him to their state they subjected him to intense questioning at the jail. Gujarat police suspect that Ryazuddin had a hand in Ahmedabad blasts, official sources said.

Ryazuddin, along with another suspect Asadulla, were arrested in Honnali in Davangere district on charges of possession of a stolen motor cycle. After questioning it was reportedly known that he was an active SIMI activist and with others had planned expositions in the state as well as Goa, at places frequented by foreign tourists.

The duo's arrest had led to the arrest of over 20 persons in the state, all suspected to be active members of the banned SIMI organisation.

UNI XR RS GM1828