Bengaluru blast case: Goa ATS quizzes paragliding coach for ‘IM link’

Panaji: The Goa police today questioned Bengaluru-based paragliding trainer Narendra Raman over his alleged links with suspected Indian Mujahideen (IM) operative Sayed Afaq who was arrested in connection with the Church Street blast in the Karnataka capital in December 2014.

“Raman has not been detained. He was called for questioning. He has appeared before police. He is being questioned,” Superintendent of Police, North Goa, Umesh Gaonkar told PTI today.

A woman was killed and another injured in an explosion triggered by an Improvised Explosive Device on December 28 in front of a popular restaurant on a busy road in the heart of Bengaluru.

Raman told the Anti Terrorist Squad (ATS) of Goa police that he had trained Afaq like any other person who comes to him for taking lessons in paragliding, Gaonkar said.

“Somewhere in 2012-13, Raman remembers training Afaq. Raman has already deposed before ATS Bengaluru and Mumbai,” the SP said, adding that there is no need to detain Raman at present.
“He (Raman) has been completely cooperating with police. We called him yesterday and today he appeared for questioning,” the SP said.

Raman was taken to the place where he coaches paragliding at Arambol in North Goa district and also to the room which he had taken on rent in Keri village.

Police had recorded statement of landlord Shirish Pokre who had rented out the premises to Raman.
Afaq had reportedly taken a five-day paragliding training at Arambol plateau in north Goa in 2013.
According to police, Raman has been a regular visitor to Goa every year between October-March.

During police’s check at Raman’s rented premises, his luggage and nearly 20 boxes were found to be piled up in the single room accommodation at Keri village, around 40 kms from here.
Investigation has also been initiated to find out about Afaq’s stay in Goa.

PTI