Pune youth arrested for terror links

Mumbai/Pune: A doctor who was part of the Indian Mujahideen network which has been responsible for a series of blasts across the country since 2005, was arrested in an operation by Crime Branch sleuths of the Mumbai Police.

The accused has been identified by the Crime Branch as Dr Anwar Ali Bhagwan, a 26-year-old youth who is currently staying in Hyderabad. He completed his MBBS from the BJ Medical College, Pune.

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He is alleged to have helped secure two rented flats for IM members in Kondwa area of Pune besides teaching some members how to administer injections.

A special MCOCA court has remanded him to police custody till January 16, the sources said.

He had helped the group of IM members procure two flats in Pune — at Kamaldeep Park and Ashoka Mews. He has also allegedly taught the IM members how to administer anesthetic injections. He is the 21st accused to be arrested by the Mumbai cops in connection with the IM bombings. He hails from Rahuri in Ahmednagar district.

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The sources said that he came in contact with the group when he met Asif Badruddin Shaikh, a member of the IM, who is close to Riyaz Bhatkal, one of the founders of the IM, a breakaway group of the outlawed SIMI. He was also sent to Bhatkal in Karnataka for training. Dr Bhagwan was also in touch with IT expert Mohammed Mansoor Asgar Peerbuoy and taught him how to use syringes.

Peerbuoy has expressed his desire to turn approver in the case.

The IM was also planning to carry out some kidnappings to fund their terror operations, according to the sources. They were planning to kidnap a jeweller and a builder. The name of Dr Bhagwan cropped up during the interrogation of Peerbhoy alias Munawar alias Mannu. In fact, several international extremist and terrorist organisations plan kidnappings to garner funds. The fact of the IM adopting a similar strategy came to light when sleuths seized anesthesia injections and tablets from the Pune group.

"He was aware of the blasts conspiracy as well as the plan for kidnappings," the sources added.

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