Author: Times News Network
Publication: The Times of India
Date: May 11, 2006
Apart from the RDX, ten AK47 assault rifles
and 2,000 bullets were seized from the Tata Sumo that the three men had abandoned
while fleeing. Addressing journalists at the state police headquarters in
Mumbai, deputy CM R R Patil said it was the biggest ever seizure by the anti-terrorism
squad (ATS) in the state. "The source of the consignment and its destination
is being investigated," he added.
Sources said the Aurangabad rural police swung
into action after SP Brijesh Singh received a tip-off from the Mumbai police
seeking interception of a group of suspected terrorists who were on their
way to Aurangabad from Mumbai.
The speeding vehicle not only outpaced a Shiur
police jeep with PSI Syed Asif in hot chase but also managed to give the Deogaon
Rangari police the slip.
It was the third team under the Khuldabad
police station which finally caught up with the Sumo near Ellora Ghat. By
this time, the trio had deserted the vehicle and fled on foot. One of them
ran into the forest and was caught by villagers. Another accused who fled
towards the Ellora caves was caught by the police and the third was arrested
from home.
During the search of the Sumo the police found
10 computer CPUs and when the CPUs were opened, they found one plastic packet
containing 3 kg of RDX, one AK47,200 bullets, four magazines and one magazine
pouch in each CPU.
Asked whether LeT sleepers were present in
the city, Patil said it was just a rumour. Announcing a reward of Rs five
lakh for the ATS team, Patil said since 2005 the ATS had seized arms and ammunition
four times and were doing an excellent job. However, when a pending reward
announced by the state government in 1993 was brought to Patil's notice, he
said, "I don't know about it. I will see what can be done."
Meanwhile, the accused have been remanded
to police custody till May 24.
