The Hindu : Front Page : We will get to the root of it: Antony

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Front Page

We will get to the root of it: Antony

Special Correspondent

Army officer’s arrest a matter of concern

NEW DELHI: Terming the arrest of a serving Army officer for his alleged complicity in the Malegaon blast a matter of “serious concern,” Defence Minister A.K. Antony on Friday said the government would get to the “root of the whole thing.”

But he declined to commit himself further as investigations were being carried out.

“It is a matter of serious concern to all of us. We are determined to go to the root of the whole thing. At the moment, the Maharashtra police and IB are investigating the whole issue and the Army is fully cooperating with those agencies. We are waiting for their reports,” Mr. Antony said speaking to journalists after an awards function for defence sector public sector units here.

“We are also taking internal steps. It is a serious matter and we will take all necessary steps after the report is received.”

Asked about reports on the involvement of some more officers in the September 29 blast, he said the Army was assisting in the investigations without hesitation.

Is he satisfied with the investigations by the Anti-Terrorism Squad of the Maharashtra police? “I am not here to give judgment. We will extend all assistance and cooperation to the Maharashtra police and the IB.”

The ATS earlier this week arrested Lt. Col. Shrikant Prasad Purohit for allegedly being the brain behind the blast.

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