BHUBANESWAR: The Special Task Force (STF) of the Crime Branch (CB), which is mandated with probing all terror-related incidents in the State, has taken over the investigation into the arrest of the Khandwa module of SIMI operatives.
An STF team has already proceeded to Rourkela to interrogate the activists. It will also seek remand of the five who were arrested in the intervening night of Tuesday and Wednesday, IG, STF Arun Bothra said.
The STF will probe if the SIMI group members had created any base in the State. Its local contacts and any plans to carry out operations will also be investigated. Sources said the CB wing may seek a 15-day remand of the five even as probe agencies of other States will also do the same.
The Anti-Terror Squad of Madhya Pradesh Police has already landed in Rourkela to quiz the five which includes a 60-year-old woman. Teams from Maharashtra, Telangana, Karnataka and NIA are also on their way.