Eight held for alleged links with Ahmedabad blasts

Ahmedabad, Aug 16 (ANI): At least eight people, mostly Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) activists, have been arrested in connection with the Ahmedabad serial blasts.

According to Joint Commissioner of Police Ashish Bhatia, more than eight people have been arrested in connection with the serial bomb blasts in Ahmedabad.

"The details of the arrests -made by the city Crime Branch- will be made available shortly," he added.

The Crime Branch had earlier arrested SIMI activist Abdul Halim from the Dani Limbda area of the city during a combing operation. He is currently in judicial custody.

Police have interrogated a number of people all over Gujarat which also included eye witnesses and possible suspects.

The State Government has formed a special committee consisting of representatives from investigating agencies of Gujarat and that of other States and Centre.

A series of 17 bombs ripped through Ahmedabad on July 26 killing 49 and injuring several people, a day after bombs killed one woman in the IT hub of Bangalore.

Many of the bombs were packed into metal tiffin boxes and stuffed with ball bearings. Some were left on bicycles and two were reportedly car bombs. (ANI)