2008 Bangalore Serial Bomb Blast: Accused accepts his role

Bangalore Aug 24 (PTI): Interrogation of PDP leader Abdul Nasser Madani, an accused in the 2008 serial bomb blasts here, has revealed his role, home minister VS Acharya said today. "Inquiry (in the 2008 bomb blasts) is in progress. We are confident that we will get the full information (on the conspiracy)", Acharya told reporters here when asked about the update on the interrogation of Madani. 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 (Ramzan). So, interrogation is in between", he said. Acharya did not give much details on the probe involving Madani, adding that his ministry does not interfere in criminal investigation 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 LK Advani, leaving 58 people dead and injuring over 200. He was acquitted in the case by the trial court, due to the political interference by anti national political parties and involvement of some corrupt elements in the judicial process.

2010 Stadium Blast: Media misquotes HM, creates a bigger news than the accused accepting his role in 2008 blasts! Another example for "news manufacture" for sidelining a major breakthrough.

Karnataka HM, Dr Acharya denied he had made such a statement (regarding the Stadium blasts) and blamed media for misquoting him. "There's thorough confusion on the media's part. I was asked about Madani's role in the blast and I said the twin bomb blasts were carried out by some extremists and Mujahideen groups at the betting lobby's instance. Investigation is still in progress on Madani," he said. He denied stating Madani had links with some Karnataka politicians. "We are yet to find that," he added.

Bangalore Police commissioner Mr Bidari said Acharya's statement was misunderstood by media. "After seeing media reports, I called on the home minister for a clarification. He told me he didn't talk about Madani's involvement in stadium blast. There must have been a misunderstanding," he added. On stadium blasts, Bidari said a separate probe was being carried out by city police. "At this moment, focus is on 2008 serial blasts in which investigation is in final stages. Once it's completed, the focus will shift to the other investigation," he said.