The arrest of Manzar Imam, a resident of Ranchi, in connection to the twin Hyderabad blasts appears to have given a positive momentum to the probe into the terror attack.
Over the last two years, various security agencies have been on the lookout for Imam, who has at least 15 warrants pending against him. He has been accused of being involved in both the Ahmedabad serial blasts case and the 13/7 Mumbai serial blasts case. His arrest comes in the wake of the questioning of suspected terror operative Syed Maqbool by the National Investigation Agency.
But NIA sources point out that the investigating officials have not been able to establish a direct link between the Hyderabad blasts case and Imam. They suspect he is part of the Indian Mujahideen module which planned and carried out the twin blasts.
Investigators believe that Imam played a significant role in building up the IM's terror network. His name has cropped up in connection with multiple terror activities including the Ahmedabad serial blasts, 13/7 Mumbai blasts and Pune serial blasts.
Thoough NIA officials tried to attach his property, they were unable to do so due to some procedural lapses. The agency has questioned his family members at least nine times in the past two years to find out his whereabouts.
In a case of mistaken identity, some TV channels flashed photographs of Muttahida Qaumi Movement’s slain leader Manzar Imam when the news about terror operative Imam’s arrest became public. These channels were later forced to tender an apology.
While charges against Imam in connection to the Hyderabad blasts are yet to take a concrete form, he will be prosecuted for his role in the 15 other cases.
Investigators believe that he had a crucial role in expanding the IM's network and are hopeful about digging out more information during interrogations.
