revelation: Cops believe the five planters are the key link to all serial blasts, including the 7/11 blasts in the country. Indian Mujahideen founder Riyaz Bhatkal

Following the arrest of 20 Indian Mujahideen (IM) members, the Mumbai Crime Branch has now formed 20 teams comprising over 200 officials to nab the "bomb planters". They believe the planters were closely linked with the 20 suspects.

The planters are also believed to be the key link between all serial blasts in the country. A Crime Branch source informed that they have already identified around five planters whose names emerged during interrogations.

Initial investigations have indicated that the planters are highly qualified professionals and many are from the IT sector. They had lived in Mumbai for some time. The case, it is believed, will be cracked in a few weeks. While some officers have been sent out of the city to probe the case, many have switched off their mobiles to avoid being tracked by rival investigating agencies.

Initial investigations have indicated that the suspects were linked to Mohammed Choudhary, Mohammed Atique alias Musab and Mohammed Asgar Peerbhoy the three arrested techies who are said to have sent the terror e-mails. The arrested suspects have told the police that IM founder Riyaz Bhatkal indoctrinated them and taught them the art of deception. The police have also learnt that the Pakistani Inter Services Intelligence had trained them.

The police are probing the role of the planters in the blasts since 2005, including the 7/11 train blasts. Joint Commissioner of Police (crime) Rakesh Maria was not available for comments despite repeated efforts.