NIA recovers bombs near Ranchi

The NIA recovered the bombs from Sithio village.

"In the ongoing investigation by NIA in the Patna Gandhi Maidan blasts, in a major development today, based upon the disclosures made by main arrested accused Hyder Ali @Black Beauty, resident of Khiriyama, Aurangabad and Mujibulla Ansari, resident of Chakla Ormanjhi, Ranchi,  a team of NIA  officers  recovered  6 IEDs with three live bombs each with timers, exactly similar to the ones used in the Patna blasts," NIA said in a statement.

"These bombs were recovered on being led by one Iftekhaar Ansari, an auto driver and  a neighbor of Tariq Ansari who was killed in the blast at Patna railway station. Iftekhaar had concealed these bombs underground in a paddy field near Sithio village outside Ranchi,  and planning to use them in future attacks. Further questioning of Iftekhaar is continuing," it said.

The NIA said: "In another related development, one Firoz Aslam, resident of Lower bazaar, Ranchi, led the NIA team to recovery of timers, detonators and explosives, which he had concealed at the behest of accused Mujibulla Ansari after the Patna blasts."

It said the role of Firoz Aslam has emerged as a major facilitator before and after the Patna blasts during investigation into the matter.

"He is also suspected to be close to Abu Faisal, a hardcore SIMI cadre of Madhya  Pradesh, who was recently arrested. Firoz is being arrested in connection with the case.    During the ongoing investigation of the case, the role of a doctor practicing in a leading  Hospital has also surfaced as an associate of Hyder," the NIA said.