The special cell of Delhi police on Thursday said that it would seek custody remand of Yasin Bhatkal, the alleged terrorist and co-founder of Indian Mujahideen.
Special commissioner (special Cell) S.N. Srivastava said that Yasin had been involved in the 2008 Delhi serial blasts and the case is being handled by their team. “We are handling the serial blasts case and hence would like to interrogate Yasin Bhatkal. We will demand his custody remand,” said Mr Srivastava.
Yasin was trying to set up an arms factory in Outer Delhi, Mr Srivastava said. He wanted to make rocket launcher to execute a fidayeen-type attack but the police raided the factory, the official said. Yasin somehow managed to give the cops a slip.
The official further said that in 2011, the Delhi police had declared a cash reward of `15 lakhs upon Yasin Bhatkal, alias Shahrukh, for his involvement in three cases, including Delhi serial bomb blasts.
The official said that the special cell has registered three FIR against Yasin Bhatkal under Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, Arms Act and Explosive Substances Act.
“Yasin has also been involved in the Jama Masjid attack and the Delhi high court attack. We will demand his remand only in the serial blasts case,” said the police official.
The official said Yasin turned a Jehadi after he came in contact with Fasih Mohammed, an alleged LeT terrorist. Fasih introduced him to his uncle Gochar, a radical jehadi. Fasih and Yasin then went to Nepal. “This all happened in 2003. When Yasin’s father came to know that he was in touch with Fasih, he scolded Yasin. His father did not like his friendship with Fasih and his family,” said the police official.