Prime suspect in Hyderabad blasts shifted to city jail

Asadullah Akhtar alias Tabrez, one of the prime suspects in the Hyderabad twin bomb blasts, was brought to the city on Thursday amid tight security.

The National Investigation Agency brought the alleged Indian Mujahideen operative by a special aircraft on transit warrant. He was produced in the court of First Metropolitan Sessions Judge and later shifted to Charalapally central jail.

Tabrez, who was arrested in Nepal along with Yasin Bhatkal, founder of the Indian Mujahideen, has been formally arrested by NIA in connection with the twin blasts.

The bomb blasts on February 21 in the crowded business area of Dilsukhnagar had killed 17 people and injured 100 others.

After initial probe by the local police, NIA took over the investigation. The NIA suspected the involvement of Bhatkal brothers, Tabrez and others.

On the basis of information provided by Yasin Bhatkal and Tabrez, the NIA conducted searches in Hyderabad that were used by them during the planning and execution of the blast, and recovered explosive materials.