Needle to a gun, Arshad shocks co-workers, boss

Arshad’s employer Nilesh Chauhan, said: ‘‘Arshad worked here for a brief period after the Godhra riots. We were shocked when we heard about his arrest in connection with the blasts.’’

Chauhan, who has visited Arshad’s house in Juhu and met his father who is a carpenter and other family members, said: ‘‘He was doing excellent work. All his three brothers have adopted their father’s business, but Arshad chose a different occupation.’’ Chauhan described Arshad as a soft-spoken man who used to read books and magazines. ‘‘He was one artisan who always delivered more than what was expected of him.’’

Workers, who stayed along with Arshad in the factory, said: ‘‘He was quite frustrated over the killings of Muslims in the riots.’’

When contacted over the phone, his mother Sehrunnisa said: ‘‘Arshad was picked up by the Mumbai police two days back. Now they have arrested his father and three brothers too.’’