Aurangabad nervous as entire town painted khaki

The 700 additional forces were deployed in Aurangabad overnight as the state’s Anti Terrorist Squad followed the blast trail right into Nandanvan Colony. Based on their tip-off, the local anti-terrorist cell went to search the residence of Dr Sheikh Murtaza, a retired Home Guards Commandant and president of the RPI (Athawale faction) minority cell. But after reaching the spot, they turned back.

Murtaza was not at home, when The Indian Express reached there.

In the colony, nervous residents shooed away journalists, refused to give their names to anyone and kept to themselves. ‘‘Though we are still keeping our options open, at present, there is nothing that establishes a direct link to the blasts,’’ said Aurangabad police commissioner Udhav Kamble.

An ATS official added that following the May 9 arrests in the region—along with the seizure of 30 kg of RDX—there has been no other suspicious activity in Aurangabad.

This assertion comes despite the fact that there are reports of a phone call from Jammu and Kashmir being traced to the city after the train blasts.

‘‘I am not aware of any such call,’’ said Kamble.

Nearly 25 people, however, continue to be under surveillance. A tab is also being kept on some of the ‘‘social organizations’’ in the city.

Meanwhile, the impact of Tuesday’s blasts is also being felt on the city’s mini stadium. For the over 40 clubs participating in the Mehmood Hussain Memorial Football tournament, Mumbai’s terror attack has meant the postponement of their league matches.

‘‘These matches attract huge crowds and emotions run really high,’’ says coach and former national player Mohammad Badruddin. ‘‘Moreover, the Police Boys club had organized the tournament and all of them are busy with the heightened security in the city. It was decided right after the blasts that the ongoing tournament would be postponed. We hope it will restart this weekend.’’

As they wait for the whistle to blow again, hundreds of young boys, some in their smart kits and others in the more traditional salwar-kameez, go through a vigorous practice session. Not very far, jawans of the Rapid Action Force, the State Reserve Police Force, the CRPF and home guards keep vigil.