Explosives haul: One more person arrested by Maharashtra ATS
What's the story
The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad, which is investigating the recent seizure of explosives and arms in the state, has arrested one more person from Ghatkopar last night. According to the ATS, Avinash Pawar (30) was involved in the conspiracy to carry out blasts in the state with Vaibhav Raut, Sharad Kalaskar, Sudhanwa Gondhalekar and Shrikant Pangarkar, who were earlier arrested in this case.
Background
Pawar's name cropped up during the interrogation
Pawar's name cropped up during the interrogation of the arrested accused. The ATS had on August 10 arrested Raut (40), who ran the 'Hindu Govansh Raksha Samiti', a little-known pro-cow protection outfit, at Nallasopara in Palghar district. After Raut's arrest, the ATS had nabbed Kalaskar (25) and Gondhalekar (39), following raids in Palghar and Pune districts. Pangarkar was arrested on August 19.
Explosives discovered
ATS recovered 20 crude bombs and 22 non-electronic detonators
The ATS had claimed to have recovered 20 crude bombs, two gelatin sticks, four electronic and 22 non-electronic detonators, 150 gms of explosive powder and some other materials, which according to the police, were to be used to trigger blasts at various places in the state. Avinash Pawar, who was arrested last night will be produced before a court today