MADURAI: The Tamil Nadu Police have registered a case against an unidentified person for attempting to murder senior BJP leader L K Advani by planting a powerful pipe bomb near Thirumangalam during his Jan Chetna Yatra on Friday. The case has been transferred to the Special Investigation Team (SIT) for thorough probe as police strongly suspect the involvement of an Islamic fundamentalist group in it.“We strongly suspect the involvement of Islamic fundamentalist groups in the incident. Five SIT teams have taken up the investigation. They are looking into whether supporters of terrorist Imam Ali, members of Al-Umma and Madani groups or similar units are involved,” said a senior police officer on condition of anonymity. The police would also conduct an inquiry with the Popular Front of India members, who had distributed pamphlets condemning the visit of Advani.For planting the bomb under the bridge, an eight-foot-long PVC pipe was used. Explosives were packed in it for up to 4.5 inches. The group had placed a detonator in the pipe, connected it to a 96-cm-long wire and with the other end linked to batteries hidden in a bush.Taking note that Naxals often followed a similar method in planting bombs, the SIT teams are investigating on that front also. “This is important as left wing extremist groups have put up posters against Advani during his public meeting,” said a senior police officer.The officer added that those who planted the bomb might have sourced the explosives from quarries in and around Thirumangalam. The special team would hold inquiry with the owners of stone quarries and the villagers to identify the persons involved. Meanwhile, ADGP (L&O) S George on Saturday examined the spot where the bomb was planted. DIG of Police of SIT Y John Nicholson and other senior officials were present.At the site, George appreciated Special Inspector Kannan for playing a decisive role in mobilising the police force to defuse the bomb. “Kannan has been maintaining good relationship with the villagers, because of which they alerted the police,” George told Express. The case has been booked by the Thirumangalam Taluk Police.Rewards have been announced for the cops who acted swiftly in detecting and defusing the bomb.
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