Bangalore blast: 2 more arrested in Coimbatore

, May 3: In a joint operation by the city and

police, two more persons were

in

in connection with the April 17 blast near BJP office at Malleshwaram here that left 16 persons injured, police said.

With this, six persons have been arrested in the case so far, City Police Commissioner Raghavendra Auradkar told reporters here.

"The two suspects, Valyal Hakeem and Asghar Ali were already in custody of Coimbatore police for alleged possession of explosives. During interrogation, their alleged involvement in the blast came to be known. They were produced before a local court in Coimbatore on Thursday. We are seeking their body warrant to bring them to Bangalore," he said.

Three persons were arrested from Chennai and Madurai last month and later another lodged in Coimbatore Jail, he said.

The explosive was placed on a stolen motorcycle, which had Tamil Nadu registration number, which was parked near the spot.

It was said that the blast was targetted at the BJP leadership of the state. April 17 was the last date of nominating papers for the May 5 assembly elections.

PTI