Gujarat ATS in Srinagar to probe Pepsi Bomber’s links

The Gujarat Police told their J&K counterparts that Baba,a Hizbul Mujahideen operative,had gone to Gujarat to set up a local network for recruiting vulnerable youths for arms training. “They told us that Baba was in the state to identify potential targets there,” an officer said on condition of anonymity.

Sources said the Gujarat Police was looking for another HM operative in Srinagar,who had helped Baba enter Gujarat. The Gujarat ATS team is likely to stay in Srinagar for a few more days.

Meanwhile,Baba’s family met Srinagar SSP Javeed Riyaz on Tuesday for his release. “They came to me and asked for the help of the state police,” Riyaz said.

Baba’s family has already written to J&K CM Omar Abdullah,seeking his help in his release. The family claim Baba became a victim of some “deep-rooted conspiracy”.

“Baba was primarily doing field work for his NGO and was creating awareness among the people about cleft lips. He has become a victim of conspiracy and we appeal to the CM to take up the issue and ensure his early release,” Baba’s younger brother Nazir Ahmed said.