26/11 attack: Police verifying IM-LeT nexus

The Mumbai police on Friday informed the special MCOCA court here that it wants to verify if the 20 alleged members of terror group Indian Mujahideen (IM) have any links with the Lashkar-e-Taiba group allegedly responsible for the November 26 terror attack in Mumbai.

In a remand application filed before a court here, investigating officer Ashok Duraphe said the terrorists who were killed in the 26/11 terror attack "while talking to India TV news channel" said they are also 'from Mujahideen' and that "they demanded release of IM operatives arrested in connection with the Delhi, Ahmedabad and Surat blasts."

"Taking into consideration their demand, the possibility of their link to the said recent incidents cannot be ruled out and inquiries to that effect are to be made," said the remand application.

Special MCOCA judge RG Avachat remanded all the 20 accused to judicial custody till January 16. Only six out of the 20 accused were produced before special MCOCA judge RG Avachat as the remaining accused are now in the custody of Gujarat police in connection with Surat and Ahmedabad blasts.

The prosecution had during the last hearing filed an application before the court seeking extension of the 90-day period by which a chargesheet would have to be filed.