Tests conducted on Pragya, 2 others in Malegaon, Modasa blasts case

Mumbai, Oct 31 (UNI) The Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) today conducted scientific tests, including brain mapping and narco analysis, on Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur and two others at Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) on Kalina University campus in north west Mumbai.

The tests were conducted after the ATS got permission from the Nashik district court. The ATS officials took Sadhvi Pragya to the FSL early this morning, while the others were taken there in the afternoon.

The identities of the other two accused could not be established, as their faces were covered while they were taken inside the laboratory. The ATS officials also refused to disclose their identities.

The police have so far arrested five people reportedly belonging to the Hindu outfits, while several others have been detained for questioning in connection with the blasts in Malegaon in Maharashtra and Modasa in Gujarat.

On October 23, Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur (38), a former national executive secretary of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), and her associates Shamlal Bhavar Sahu (42) and Shivnarayan Singh (36) have been accused of plotting and planting a bomb in Malegaon and Modasa on September 29, which killed six and one person respectively.

Police have also arrested two ex-army officers -- Sameer Kulkarni and Ramesh Upadhyay in connection with the blasts. Another Lieutenant Colonel Vinod Purohit was also detained from Pachmarhi in Madhya Pradesh and brought to Mumbai this morning for questioning.

Meanwhile, the ATS had collected dozens of audio and video CDs containing Sadhvi Thakur's fiery speeches after raiding her house in Madhya Pradesh. They are examining the seized items.

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