German bakery case: Suspect claims IM involvement

Mumbai, May 9: In the major breakthrough in the Pune German bakery blast, Salmaan alias Chhotu, one of the key suspects in the case, has told the investigating agencies that he had received a call from Indian Mujahideen (IM) founder Riyaz Bhatkal on the night the blast took place.

Salmaan, who has links with IM, told Maharashtra Anti Terrorism Squad (ATS) and the Delhi police, that Bhatkal had called him on the night of blast which took place on Feb 13, 2010.

"During interrogation, Salmaan told us that he had gone to Nepal in the month of January and had been staying there on a different identity. He also said that he was in touch with IM founders Amir Raza and Riyaz Bhatkal. He told the police that, on the day of the blast, he received a call from Riyaz at night," said the official.

Salmaan was greeted by Riyaz with 'Badhaai Ho', the official said.

"When Salmaan asked the reason for the congratulations, Riyaz asked him to switch on the TV and see the breaking news himself. Salmaan told us that when he turned on the TV, the news of the Pune blast was all over," the officer added.

Salmaan's confession came days after Home Minister P Chidambaram said that there has been a breakthrough in the German bakery case.

The accused was arrested at the Indo-Nepal border by the UP Special Task Force on Feb 28 and was handed over to the Delhi Police on Mar 6.

OneIndia News