Probe reveals Madani’s role in cricket stadium blasts

He said,”The interrogation has revealed his role in the cricket stadium blasts.”

Acharya said Madani’s links with other main accused in the 2008 blast case has been “established” during interrogation. One woman was killed and 20 others were injured in the blast. Two low-intensity explosions near a packed Chinnaswamy cricket stadium less than an hour before an IPL match left 15 persons,including five securitymen,injured.

The match between home team Royal Challengers and Mumbai Indians was delayed by an hour and play commenced after police gave an all-clear signal.

The explosives placed behind a plastic board near the wall outside the stadium,venue for the tie,went off 45 minutes before the start at 4 pm. Another small explosion took place near the stadium.

Acharya indicated that police might seek extension of the custody of Madani,who was arrested by a Karnataka police team in Kerala on August 17. He was remanded in police custody by a Bangalore magistrate till August 26.

“He is currently on a dawn-to-dusk fast for Ramzan. So,the interrogation takes place in between,” he said. Acharya did not give much details on the probe involving Madani,adding that his ministry does not interfere in criminal investigations and it was not proper to comment when it was in progress.

He said a police team is carrying out investigation independently and they are free to take the assistance of anybody in their probe.

Madani was taken to Hosathota in Somwarpet Taluk in Kodagu district for further investigation last week for exploring his alleged links there.

The PDP leader was also an accused in the 1998 serial bomb blasts that rocked Coimbatore ahead of an election meeting to be addressed by senior BJP leader L K Advani,leaving 58 people dead and injuring over 200. He was acquitted in the case by the trial court.