By KUNA
New Delhi : Western Indian states of Maharashtra, Gujarat and Goa were among the primary targets of a terror mastermind arrested from Southern India recently.
One Riyazuddin Nasir and one of his associates were preparing possible attacks in Maharashtra, one of Indias leading English dailies Daily News Analysis (DNA) reported Monday.
Riyazuddin had extensive knowledge of bomb making and had planned to become a suicide bomber, the DNA said, quoting a source in Indian Home Ministry.
Riyazuddin alias Mohammed Ghouse, who had undergone a years training at the Lashkar-e-Taibas camp at Muridke in Pakistan, was arrested on January 11 this year along with Asadullah Abu Bakar, the DNA said.
Riyazuddin is the son of Mohammed Naseeruddin, who is in custody in connection with the murder of former Home Minister in Western Indian state of Gujarat — Haren Pandya in 2003.
Riyazuddins terror module was still in the initial stages but his arrest was a major breakthrough as his plans could have created devastation if they were successful.
Southern Indian cities are on the radar of terror modules with attacks claiming several lives over the past few years.