Madhya Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has detained two people in connection with the Ujjain hotel case where a bag containing explosives was left behind in a room at the hotel.
The seizure of explosives on Sunday came a month ahead of the Simhastha Mahakumb Mela scheduled to be held in the ancient temple town of Ujjain next month.
While talking to media persons here at the police headquarters on Tuesday, Inspector General of Police (ATS) Sanjeev Shami said, "Sushil Mishra, who works in a private security agency, placed the bag in the hotel. Earlier, Sushil used to work in a mine in Ashoknagar from where he procured explosives. He was adept in handling explosives."
"Ashish Chandel, who is posted as constable with Indore lokayukta Police, masterminded the plot with the intention of fixing some of his colleagues.
Both have been detained," he said.
Shami said that 2.77 kg of explosives, 25 detonators and a 60 metre-long wire were also seized. Besides, a fake Aadhaar card made in the name of Sajish Khan was also seized. The Aadhaar card was made in the same name which was used for the SIM card used by the culprits.
In response to a query, the IG said the incident was not related to Simhastha and there was no terror angle. On the transportation of explosives despite tight security arrangements in the temple town, he said the accused were involved in quarrying. Therefore, it was not difficult for them to transport the material.
Earlier on Monday IG Shami in his official statement claimed that there were three suspects and when he was questioned regarding the third suspect he said that he was released as nothing suspicious was found about him in the investigation.
The details of the victims which were targeted by the accused were not revealed by Shami when questions of the identity of the victims were raised.