Cops hunt for Mithun Chakraborthy, the bomber

Even as the plot into the Malegaon blasts thickens, the name of a mystery man called Mithun Chakraborthy has surfaced yet again. This name first cropped up during the investigations into the Nanded blasts of 2006, but in due course the matter fizzled out.

Coverage: Terror Strikes Malegaon

Investigating agencies say Mithun Chakraborthy could be a pseudo name used by one of the operatives in order to carry out attacks. Himanshu, one of the accused in the Nanded blasts, said during his interrogation that a person by the name Mithun Chakraborthy had imparted training in preparation of explosives.

Further investigations by the ATS also showed that this man was an expert at both disguise and also in making pipe bombs.

Although the matter fizzled out later, this issue has cropped up once again with the ATS cracking down on the Malegaon blasts case.

Reports collected with the help of the state intelligence go on to show that one of the persons associated with a right wing Hindu group as using the name Mithun to carry out operations.

The ATS is also trying to find out whether it was Lt Col Purohit who was using the name Mithun Chakraborthy to conceal his identity. ATS sources told rediff.com that nothing can be ruled out and that they are looking into this angle too.

They are also relying on his confession statement in which he had said that he had played the central role in the blasts and also had imparted training to several youth. It is also said that Purohit had prepared the blue print for the September 29 blasts and had also provided logistical support.

While the ATS says that the plot into the Malegaon case is getting deeper by the day, at the moment they are also probing into the local angle behind the blasts. A team of police officials will be visiting Malegaon to find out the names of the local members who could have provided support to the persons who carried out the blasts.

Several right wing Hindu groups too have been put under the scanner in the aftermath of these investigations. A police officer said there was growing concern regarding such outfits and they need to be checked before the situation worsens.