Investigators probe cross-border trail, point towards possible Bangladesh link

Investigation by the NIA into the Delhi blast case has indicated a possible Bangladesh link, with sources saying the six arrested accused, currently in the agency’s custody, may have connections with associates based in the neighbouring country. However, investigators are yet to identify the actual mastermind behind the attack.

Though no clear details have emerged regarding the Bangladesh connection of the so-called “white-collar” module members, most of them doctors, sources said initial findings suggested that there could be some linkage between the accused and players operating out of Bangladesh.

The Tribune had reported on February 27 that Pakistan’s ISI had been active in Bangladesh, especially after last year’s political crisis there, and that the agency, in collaboration with operatives in the country, was attempting to re-establish ULFA training camps near border regions -- signalling an escalation in efforts to destabilise India’s Northeast region.

Highly placed sources had earlier told The Tribune that Indian intelligence agencies were increasingly concerned about the ISI’s presence in areas bordering West Bengal and Bangladesh. This concern grew after wireless communication in Arabic, Urdu and Bengali was intercepted from across the Bangladesh border.

In light of these developments, investigators probing the Delhi blast are attempting to explore this angle. However, as reported earlier this week, they have not yet found any digital footprint linking the prime accused to probable Pakistani handlers.

In other words, the probe is now focusing on identifying who, or which organisation, foreign or Indian, masterminded the attack. Officials are examining precedents from similar terror incidents and piecing together available clues to determine who planned the blast.

The sources said the arrested accused -- Amir Rashid Ali, in whose name the car used in the blast was registered; Jasir Bilal Wani, alias Danish, who allegedly provided technical assistance; Dr Muzammil Shakeel Ganai of Pulwama, Dr Adeel Ahmed Rather of Anantnag, Dr Shaheen Saeed of Lucknow and Mufti Irfan Ahmad Wagay of Shopian -- were reportedly attempting to portray themselves as victims during interrogation.