Hazy CCTV visuals slow down Pune blasts probe

With not much information coming by the way of the agencies probing Wednesday's Pune blasts, the angle pertaining to the Indian Mujahideen has cropped up.

Sources say that they are examining the CCTV footage, which was available on three of the cameras. 

Sources say that although the imagery is hazy they might be able to pick up vital clues.

However, the police find themselves at a disadvantage as they do not have access to all the cameras, most of which were not functional.

As part of the investigation routine, the police are now narrowing down on the suspects.

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The police believe that the cycle shop owner -- who is said to be from Pune -- could provide them with some information.

The police also add that the attack was locally planned and was done with precision.

A team of the Intelligence Bureau, which is at Pune, says that they are looking for a possible Indian Mujahideen hand in the attack.

It does bear their signature and the manner in which it was planned and executed it looks to be the job of a professional outfit.

It would take some time to join the dots, but the police are already questioning several persons and are hopeful of some leads soon, sources also pointed out.

Dayanand Patil, the only person injured in the blast at Bal Gandharva Theatre square, is being questioned by the police as to how the explosive found its way into his carry bag.

Sources said Patil, who sustained minor injuries, was not being treated as a suspect in the case.

Patil, who hails from nearby Urali Kanchan village and used to commute daily to Pune for tailoring work, is in hospital where his statement is being recorded, they said.

Patil has told the police that he had visited the dharna by Anna Hazare's India Against Corruption and somebody kept the explosive in his carry bag. The explosion occurred when he tried to open a box in which the explosive was kept.

His wife, Satyakala, was also being questioned by police, sources said.

Police have registered an offence against "unknown persons" under sections 307 (attempt to murder), 427 (mischief causing damage), 120 B (criminal conspiracy) and relevant sections of Unlawful Activities Prevention Act and Explosive Substances Act.

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Pune Commissioner of Police Gulabrao Pol had on Wednesday said as very low-intensity explosives were used in the blasts, it did not appear to be the handiwork of terrorists and could be an act of mischief.

However, Union Home Secretary R K Singh said in Delhi that terror angle could not be ruled out as the blasts occurring minutes apart were a coordinated act.

Meanwhile, activists of India against corruption (IAC), who have been staging a dharna just opposite the Bal Ghandharva Theatre, said they would call it off temporarily in response to a directive by police for security reasons.

Meanwhile, life in the city and busy Jangli Maharaj road, where the four coordinated blasts occurred, is normal. Barring the blasts sites which have been barricaded by police, people could be seen moving as usual on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan.

Maharashtra Home Minister R R Patil, who visited the blast sites, also held a meeting with top police officials this morning to review the situation and take stock of the probe