Mumbai: 

Vital links: Cops believe car thieves from Navi Mumbai can provide information about the Gujarat bombers

After the four stolen cars, used in the Gujarat serial blasts were traced to Navi Mumbai, the police have launched a massive combing operation to nab notorious car thieves in the area.

Last month, around 54 cases of car thefts were registered in 14 police stations under the jurisdiction of the Navi Mumbai Police.

Cops suspect that the bombers had either stolen the cars themselves or bought them from some car thieves in Mumbai.

DCP Praveen Pawar (crime), Navi Mumbai, said, "We are picking up car thieves and trying to extract vital information from them regarding the cars used in the blasts." 

He added, "The modus operandi is simple. The thieves keep a watch on the car owners and steal the car using a duplicate key."

Pradeep Mahadeo, owner of the car recovered with explosives in Gujarat, had reported the theft on June 7. He said, "I am really tense after my car was found in Gujarat with a bomb. It's a sensitive issue and I am cooperating with the police."

Navi Mumbai police commissioner Ramrao Wagh said, "We are investigating all the motor vehicle thefts registered in the last one month. There is a possibility that the bombers may have stolen the vehicle or they would have bought for small amounts from some car thieves."