Malegaon delegation seeks speedy probe

MUMBAI: A 30-member delegation from Malegaon, led by textile town's former MLA Nihal Ahmed, on Wednesday met anti-terrorism squad (ATS) chief K P Raghuvanshi and demanded that the investigation into the September 2008 blast case be expedited.
The delegation, comprising representatives of social, religious and political organisations, spoke to Raghuvanshi and additional commissioner Param Bir Singh.
"The number of suspects who were conspiring to fight the constitution could not be limited to a dozen. This seems to be part of a larger conspiracy. The remaining accused should be arrested at the earliest,'' Ahmed said.
Ahmed, who has been pushing for a speedy probe, was invited by the ATS to discuss the issue. "I asked the ATS chief if this case, where the conspiracy is spread over several states, could be handed over to the newly-formed National Investigation Agency. Investigators need to uncover the conspirators who are planning to break the country,'' said Ahmed.
"Several people have been made witness, while some of them have not even given their statements in the case. An army colonel and some people from hard-line organisations are also part of the conspiracy, but no action has been taken against them,'' said Dr Raees, a participant. The delegation also met home minister, Jayant Patil, and reiterated their demand.
Param Bir Singh said, "Our investigation is sincere and transparent."