German bakery blast culprits identified: Patil

The Maharashtra police has identified the culprits of the February 13 terror attack on the German Bakery in Pune, said Maharashtra Home Minister R R Patil on Tuesday.

"The police have identified those involved in the German Bakery blast. They also have proofs and know the whereabouts of these persons who are at large in various parts of the country," he told the media on the sidelines of a function in the city.

Without elaborating further, he said the state Anti Terrorism Squad in coordination with Central agencies were tracking the blast accused, and expressed confidence that they would be "caught soon".

Taking cognisance of reports alleging favouritism on part of some Pune police officers in issuing licenses of private security agencies to their kin, Patil said necessary action would be taken if anybody was found guilty of "misusing his position".

Pune Police Commissioner Meera Borwankar has been asked to submit a report in the matter, he said.

The official website of the Pune police had recently displayed a list of 180 private security agencies, licensed by them to run the business. The list contained names of relations of some serving and retired police officers in Pune.

A Pune police spokesman, responding to media reports that alleged favouritism in issuing the licenses, had stated that all "legal requirements" were complied with in the matter and there was no violation of law or official procedure.