Watertight security at the south Mumbai stadium forced Indian Mujahideen operatives to drop the plan, reveals co-founder Yasin Bhatkal during police interrogation
The state Anti-Terrorism Squad’s (ATS) interrogations of alleged Indian Mujahideen (IM) cofounder have revealed that two IM operatives had reconnoitered Wankhede Stadium during the Indian Premier League matches in 2011. They wanted to blow up the stadium but airtight security on and around the premises forced them to drop the plan, the officials revealed.
Fans enjoying the Mumbai Indians-Pune Warriors match at Wankhede in 2011. Pic/Suresh KK
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The terror group’s cofounder Yasin Bhatkal told ATS cops that Asadullah Akthar alias Haddi alias Tabrez, who is also in their custody, and alleged Pakistani national Waqas Shaikh, who is wanted, had recced the stadium in south Mumbai. They bought tickets and watched the Mumbai Indians versus Pune Warriors match on April 20, 2011 at the stadium.
Two days later, the duo did another recce from outside the stadium premises, when a Mumbai Indians v/s Chennai Super Kings match was going on. “They, however, reached the conclusion that security at the stadium was up to the mark and it was difficult to enter the stadium with a bomb. So they dropped the plan,” said an ATS officer.
On Wednesday, Bhatkal and his aide Akhtar were arrested by the ATS in connection with the 13/7 serial explosions that rocked the city in 2011. They had been brought to the city from New Delhi. The two were produced before a MCOCA court on Thursday, which remanded them in ATS custody till February 18.
The terrorists had also recced beaches in Goa and Juhu to target foreigners, but Waqas apparently took ill and the bombing plan had to be scrapped. Calls and messages to Maharashtra ATS chief Rakesh Maria failed to elicit a response.
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