MUMBAI: A key operative of terror outfit Indian Mujahideen (IM) was arrested today in connection with the July 2011 triple bomb blasts in the metropolis, Maharashtra ATS said.
Zainul Abedin, a resident of Bhatkal town in Karnataka, was apprehended by Anti-Terrorism Squad from the international airport here at around 5.30 am, Niket Kaushik, Inspector General (ATS), said at a press conference.
Sleuths from Kalachowki unit of ATS waited for him at the airport after receiving information he would be arriving from abroad, police said.
Abedin, the 11th accused to be held in the case, "is a key member of IM and his arrest will help in covering the conspiracy behind the blasts," said the officer.
Last year, the ATS had issued a red corner notice (RCN) against Abedin, who had been in touch with several key figures of the banned terror group, especially its founder Riyaz Bhatkat, police said.
They said Abedin was responsible for supplying explosives for terror operations of the home-grown outfit, blamed in the past for a string of terror attacks in various parts of the country.
Besides, Maharashtra ATS, Abedin was wanted by the anti-terror wings of Karnataka and Gujarat Police, and also NIA, police said.
Abedin was produced before a local court, which sent him in 10-day ATS custody, an ATS officer said.
Three co-ordinated bomb explosions rocked Opera House, Zaveri Bazaar and Dadar West areas of the metropolis on July 13, 2011, killing 26 people and injuring nearly 130 others.