Bodh Gaya blasts: NIA arrests absconding Hindu priest

Patna, Aug 14: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) probing the serial bomb blasts at Bodh Gaya's Mahabodhi temple, has arrested a Hindu priest, Arup Brahmachari, police said Wednesday.

"The NIA team, with the help of the police, arrested Arup Brahmachari who was absconding after the blasts," an officer of the Bodh Gaya police station said.

Brahmachari, hailing from West Bengal and staying at Bodh Gaya, has been lodged in Rampur police station of Gaya town due to security reasons, the officer said.

"The NIA team will interrogate him," he added.

A breakthrough still eludes the NIA, investigating the July 7 blasts in which 10 bombs exploded while three other devices were defused.

The NIA had interrogated several people, including members of the Bodh Gaya Temple Management Committee and the temple watch and ward staff.

The NIA also detained at least six people, including Vinod Mistri, a suspect. He was picked up at least three times during the last one month before being released.

IANS