Accused ‘handler’ of suspects who tested bombs in Pune: ATS

According to the ATS, he was found to be in contact with three suspects — Mohammed Yusuf Khan (23), Mohammed Yunus Mohammed Yakub Saki (24) and Qadir Dastagir Pathan (32) — who were arrested last month. The trio was staying in Mitha Nagar in Pune’s Kondhwa area. When the ATS seized their cell phones, analysis of their call data records revealed that the three accused were in contact with Barodawala, who too was residing in Kondhwa between 2017 and 2022.

As per the probe, Barodawala allegedly gave training in bomb making and testing to Khan, Saki and Shahnawaz Shafiurrehman Alam (31), who was arrested along with the two others when the trio was trying to steal a scooter from the Kothrud area but escaped from police custody. The ATS also learnt that the accused allegedly held bomb training and testing at a secluded spot in the ghat section near Saswad in Pune.

The trio is accused of allegedly conducting bomb tests in the jungles of Pune, Kolhapur and Satara districts. The ATS probe revealed that the accused Pathan took a house on rent in Kondhwa for Khan, Saki and Alam, as per the instructions of Barodawala. The ATS sought Barodawala’s custody on Wednesday to probe the alleged “terror training and funds” provided by him to the other suspects in the case and to find out if he was receiving directions from anyone.

Prosecution lawyer Vijay Fargade said it is being probed if more people are involved. Defence lawyer Yashpal Purohit argued that Barodawala’s custody was not essential as he was probed for alleged terror links by the NIA. Special judge V R Kachare sent Barodawala to ATS custody till August 11 for interrogation.