Goa blast: 2 members of Hindu group detained

Pananji, Oct 17: Goa police detained two members of the right-wing Hindu group, Sanatan Saunstha, which is believed to be behind the low intensity blast that took place on Friday, Oct 16 which put the state on red alert.

The police made the arrests while probing into the blast that took place in Margao town at around 9:30 pm. They have also claimed that the group Sanatan Saunstha has links with the Malegaon blast accused and right-wing activist Sadhvi Pragya Singh.

After a scooter laden with explosives went off on Friday, Oct 16 night near the Grace Church, the state home minister, Ravi Naik alleged that the Hindu group may be involved in the attack.

Following this, the police detained the owner of the vehicle Nishad Bakhale, who was also believed to be part of the group. Along with this, the police searched the group's headquarters in the temple town of Ramnathi.

After the raid, Naik said, "Two people owing their allegiance to Saunstha have been detained for further interrogation."

While the police have not yet identified the two people arrested, they claim that another blast was averted after a bag containing gelatin sticks was flung from a truck.

While Malgondi Patil passed away a few hours after the blast, Yogesh Naik who has sustained injuries and was battling for life in Goa Medical College passed away on Saturday, Oct 17. The two victims are also believed to be part of the group.

OneIndia News