Margao blast indicates intelligence failure: Naik

"State intelligence agencies had no knowledge of the blast in the commercial town, which clearly indicates the failure," Naik told a local channel during a television show, last night.

Two Saunstha seekers--Malgonda Patil and Yogesh Naik died in the blast on October 16 and were named as accused in the case while two more were arrested later for planting a bomb at Sancoale, 20 kms away from the blast site.

"Sanatan Saunstha was under police scanner after Thane and Panvel blasts in Maharashtra but despite this they had no inkling of what is being conspired by its members," he added.

The minister said that the state was contemplating a ban on the right wing group, if they are found to be involved in the blast, which occurred after an explosive device kept in a scooter went off on a busy street in Margao.

"We are studying their literature and have watch on their activities," he said.
The minister said that he has asked the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the blast sans any political interference.

"I will take action against anyone trying to politically influence the police," Naik said.

Naik also said that an earlier police complaint against Saunstha mouthpiece, should have been probed properly.

Prashant Naik, a social activist, had lodged a police complaint against 'Sanatan Prabhat', the group's mouthpiece for appealing people to observe Independence Day as Black Day.
"The file never reached me or else I would have initiated stern action against the publishers," the Home minister added.