The Special Investigation Team of Tamil Nadu police, probing the planting of a powerful pipe bomb on the yatra route of BJP leader L. K. Advani near Madurai, on Monday claimed to have obtained ‘definite clues’ and expressed confidence about nabbing the culprits.
Definite clues have been obtained in the case and special teams were sent to Nagercoil in Kanyakumari district and Kerala for further probe, Madurai rural police sources said.
The pipe bomb was unearthed from under a bridge and defused on October 27 at Alampatti village, about 30 km from here, on the route of Mr. Advani’s yatra. Subsequently, the BJP leader route’s was diverted. R Sekar, ADGP, SIT, visited the village today and inspected the spot.
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Talking to reporters, he said ten special teams had been formed to nab the culprits, but declined to elaborate. Police sources said they were investigating various angles.
They suspect that Maoists involved in the blasting of railway track in neighbouring Virudhunagar district a few months ago could be behind the incident.
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Probe was also on to ascertain whether supporters of slain al-Umma terrorist Imam Ali were involved in the planting of the bomb, they said.
Chief Minister Jayalalithaa has directed police to speed up investigations into the bomb incident and bring to book the culprits.
The bomb was unearthed after a resident of the village alerted local AIADMK councillor who in turn informed police.
Appreciating their presence of mind which helped police avert a ‘disaster’, Ms. Jayalalithaa today honoured the villager — Selvaraj, an AIADMK worker, and councillor Selvam giving them a cash reward of Rs. 50,000 each on behalf of her party.