Malegaon blast: Two picked up from Vapi and Pune

Two persons were picked up from Vapi and Pune by the Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) in connection with the Malegaon blast probe amid concerns that more army officers may come under the scanner.

Leave records of arrested Lt Col P S Purohit, suspected to have masterminded the September 29 blast, have been given to the investigating agencies, official sources said today.

Two serving Colonels may also face interrogation. There were reports that a retired Lt General could also be quizzed but there was no official word on it.

No details were immediately forthcoming about the two persons picked up from Vapi and Pune.

ATS officials said nine persons, including a Sadhvi and a serving army officer, arrested for their alleged involvement in the blast could be booked under the stringent MCOCA act.

 "The application of some sections of Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) is being considered presently," they said.

Under MCOCA, those convicted can get a maximum punishment of life imprisonment and a minimum of five years and police can keep the accused in detention for 180 days to file their chargesheet as against the normal 90-day period.

The accused in the blast that left six people dead have been booked under various sections of the IPC including murder and conspiracy, Indian Explosives Act and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

The ATS officials had said they were still on the lookout for a suspect identified as Ramji, who is suspected to have played a major role in planting the bomb in the town.