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ATS suspects arms, RDX came from Hyderabad

ATS suspects arms, RDX came from Hyderabad

Author: Stavan Desai
Publication: The Indian Express
Date: May 18, 2006

Introduction: Investigators say prime suspect Zaby was in e-mail contact with Lashkar commanders

Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) officials suspect that the consignment of arms and RDX seized from Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operatives in Aurangabad and Malegaon last week came from Hyderabad. They also said that they now know ''precisely where the consignment had first landed in Maharashtra and where it was to be stocked''.

Sources in the ATS said the interrogation of Bilal Ahmed Ansari, an Aurgangabad resident and activist of the banned Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI), has revealed a clearer picture of the conspiracy behind the transporting and storing of the arms and RDX and the role of LeT operative Zahibuddin Ansari alias Zaby in it.

''After it probably came from Hyderabad, the consignment was dumped at Pimpri-Chinwad in mid-April,'' said an ATS official. ''According to Bilal, Zaby has strong contacts in Hyderabad.''

The consignment included 43 kg of RDX, 16 AK-47 assault rifles, 50 hand grenades, 3,000 AK bullets and 80 magazines.

ATS officials are also trying to find out the e-mail addresses used by Zaby. Officials said that investigations have revealed that he used to be in contact with top Lashkar commanders through e-mail. ''Once we get his e-mail address and crack it, it will provide further leads,'' the officer said.

On other links in the supply chain, officials ruled out any role of the LTTE, but suspect the involvement of Bangladesh and Kashmir-based smaller terror groups operated and backed by the LeT.

''Fencing of the Jammu and Kashmir border and intensified vigil there has resulted in the Lashkar using other routes for supplying arms to splinter groups,'' said a senior ATS officer.

Investigations have already revealed that Zaby had been to Kashmir about six months ago and had held a meeting with some of the top LeT commanders.

Meanwhile, two teams of the ATS are camping at Aurangabad to verify the leads provided by Bilal.

Sources said that Bilal confessed to having been in the know about dumping of the arms and explosives near Pimpri-Chinchwad and involvement of Zaby in arranging transportation of the consignment to Aurangabad.

''He also revealed that the part of consignment recovered from near Ankai Fort at Manmad in Nashik district was dumped by the other accused after Zaby abandoned the car while fleeing Aurangabad,'' said an ATS officer involved in the investigations.

''We are investigating the South India angle and are co-ordinating with other agencies,'' he added.

stavan.desai@expressindia.com


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