Former Shiv Sena corporator Shrikant Pangarkar, 40, was the main financier of the right-wing terror group suspected of making crude bombs and country-made guns seized in Nalasopara on August 10. However, sources in the anti-terrorism squad (ATS) said that Pangarkar was a mere 'puppet', and they are trying to identify the real mastermind. The sources added that Pangarkar was being questioned since August 18, and officers had searched his residences at Aurangabad and Jalna as well.'

They seized mobile phones, pen drives, hard disk, diaries and other materials that need to be analysed. Sources added that they were checking the trail of money, and where Pangarkar got the funding for guns and crude bombs. They are also investigating if he involved in getting the material for the weapons or just the cash. The agency is further probing his involvement in Dr Narendra Dabholkar's shooting.