Two sketches ready, but no headway in probe

More than 48 hours after the four low-intensity blasts on the busy Jangali Maharaj Road on Wednesday evening disrupted life in Pune, officials from various investigation agencies such as Crime Branch (CB), Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) and National Investigation Agency (NIA) were still struggling to make headway in the case.

Dayanand Patil's - the lone injured - wife Satyakala has said that if her husband is found guilty of the blasts, he should be punished. Pics/Atul kamble

The Crime Branch, which is primarily investigating the case, released Dayanand Patil's wife Satyakala on Thursday night after her daylong inquiry at the Deccan Gymkhana police station where a case has been registered against unidentified miscreants.

The aftermath: Officials have begun bag checks and frisking at Pune Railway station following the four low-intensity blasts at Jangali Maharaj Road.

Satyakala claimed that her husband was innocent.

She said that Dayanand, the lone man injured in the blasts, had been to a foreign country before their marriage, some four years ago.

She also said the police should punish him if he is found guilty, but if he comes out innocent then cops should compensate them.

Getting the picture
Sources in Crime Branch said officials had prepared two sketches based on descriptions given by a cycle shop owner and his associate.

The illustrations would only be handed to the officials probing the case, and would not be shared with the media.

Additional commissioner of police (crime) Shahaji Solunke while addressing the media yesterday said police were awaiting a concrete lead in the case.

All the investigation agencies pressed into action are probing the case from various angles.

Speaking about Patil's trip to Jordan and confiscation of his passport, Solunke said, "The investigation in that matter is going on and necessary correspondence has been done with the passport office."

When asked whether Patil or his wife revealed any information about his Jordan trip, Solunke said Patil had been traumatised by the blast and was recuperating at Sassoon General Hospital.

His wife too was in state of shock and was unable to share any information during questioning.

While answering a question on whether the bombs' faulty design and rain spoiled their potency, Solunke said it would be premature to comment on the issue as the forensic report was awaited.

He also said not a single person has been detained or arrested in this case.

"We are collecting CCTV footage from several shops and hotels located on JM Road. They will be examined by investigating agencies," a police officer said.

Meanwhile, Patil might be discharged from hospital today. "Since there is no major medical complication, there is a possibility that he may be discharged from the hospital by Friday night or Saturday," Dr DG Kulkarni, superintendent of Sassoon hospital, told MiD DAY yesterday. u00a0