Zeenews Bureau
New Delhi, Nov 20: In what could add weight to the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad’s ongoing probe into the Malegaon blast, a video, released on Thursday, shows key suspects Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur, Dayanand Pandey and Sameer Kulkarni attending a function together, proving that they knew each other well.
The video dated 12th April 2008 shows Dayanand Pandey, Sadhvi and Sameer Kulkarni attending a function organised by Abhinav Bharat in Bhopal. All the three are currently under arrest and in judicial custody in connection with the blast.
The video also depicts them making hard hitting statements asking the people to unite for the protection of Hindus. The ATS will undoubtedly use the video as clinching evidence to point towards the proximity between the key accused in the highly sensitive case.
Meanwhile, Pragya Thakur had on Monday filed an affidavit in a Nashik court, which is hearing charges against her, accusing the ATS of torturing her and violating her human rights.
Terming her arrest as "politically motivated", she said she was beaten up so badly that at one point, she contemplated committing suicide.
Self-styled spiritual guru Dayanand Pandey, who heads the Sharda Samaghraha Peeth in Jammu Tawi, has been booked for murder and attempt to murder in connection with the Malegaon blast case.
Sameer Kulkarni, a suspect in Malegaon blast is under police custody for allegedly attacking Pastor Peter David Silway of Aundh in 2007. It is being believed that Kulkarni took part in meetings where the Malegaon plot was allegedly hatched along with others at Bhonsala Military School.
Meanwhile, Sudhakar Chaturvedi, the national coordinator for the Abhinav Bharat organisation, who the police claim has admitted to his role in planning the Malegaon blast, is likely to be arrested by the ATS today.
My husband is a patriot: Purohit’s wife
Meanwhile, wife of arrested Lt Col SP Purohit said he is being framed. She further added that he is a true patriot, who is absolutely innocent.
She even claimed that it is a political game as no Army officer could be brought infront of ATS without any inquiry.
Yesterday, Lt-Col Purohit was subjected to brain mapping and polygraph test. 10 people have been arrested so far by the ATS for their alleged role in the 29th September Malegaon blast that killed six. Purohit is said to be the mastermind and procure RDX to assemble the bomb.
First Published: Thursday, November 20, 2008, 00:00