ATS chief Rakesh Maria rules out possibility of suicide bomber in Wednesday's blasts, says probe is moving forward with solid leads
ATS chief Rakesh Maria rules out possibility of suicide bomber in Wednesday's blasts, says probe is moving forward with solid leads
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Rakesh Maria (left) and Himanshu Roy at Saturday's press conference.
PIC/ PRADEEP DHIVAR
"So far, preliminary investigations and site visits by forensic experts and investigators suggest that there was no suicide bomber involved," said Maharashtra ATS Chief Rakesh Maria.
"Experts have retrieved certain portions of a metallic container that was used to store and carry the explosives," he said. He explained that ammonium nitrate, crude oil and digital timers were used in the improvised explosive devices.
Maharashtra ATS and crime branch teams have set out for Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Delhi, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Rajasthan to probe the blasts, Maria said, adding they were also taking the help of police in these states and central agencies.
Nineteen people were killed at Kabutarkhana, Zaveri Bazar and Opera House, and over 130 injured in the three blasts that rocked the city.
Some accused currently lodged in Madhya Pradesh have also been questioned in a bid to get leads. "Members of various modules arrested in the past are being questioned to see if they can help solve the case," the ATS chief said, adding that there were some "solid" leads and the investigation was moving in the right direction.
However, nobody has been detained so far, since some of the CCTV footage was "grainy". "In a day or two, investigators will be able to get better images from the CCTV cameras recovered from the blast sites," he said.
Suspect's sketch almost ready
According to the ATS, a probable suspect's sketch, prepared by Saturday night with the help of eyewitness accounts, will be circulated among investigators. Ammonium nitrate, crude oil and digital timers were used in the explosive devices. As part of the probe, ATS and crime branch teams have been sent to various places in Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Delhi, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Rajasthan.
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