Pune, Two days after the crime branch of Pune police arrested a Pimpri-based businessman for allegedly possessing explosives and firearms, police today said they are still clueless on the motive and are also in the dark about the source of the explosives.
Police had said they arrested businessman Gopal Khatri from a spot in front of Hotel Ambience on Kalewadi road and seized one kg of suspected ammonium nitrate, eight gelatin sticks, three country-made revolvers, a country-made pistol and eight live cartridges from his car.
When asked about the progress of the investigation, deputy commissioner of police (crime) Rajesh Bansode said, ”our teams are investigating different angles. As of now, we do not have any concrete lead on the motive in bringing the explosives and firearms, or the source.” Asked about any terror link or alleged political angle to the story, he added ”we cannot comment on anything in that regard.” Meanwhile, Shiv Sena member of Parliament Gajanan Babar today met joint commissioner of police Sanjeev Singhal and demanded a probe by the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) in the matter.
He said that he believe the seizure also has a political angle which needs to be thoroughly probed. He feel that local police are not competent enough to investigate the matter.” Khatri’s brother-in-law Vishal Shevani had alleged that the arrest was part of a conspiracy against Khatri by some politically powerful persons. He had added that pressure was being put on the family in many ways.
