ATS SAYS PUROHIT HELD TERROR CAMP IN MP

Lt-Col Srikant Prasad Purohit, an accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, had organised a terror training camp in Madhya Pradesh where he imparted arms training to 40 semi-literate youths in 2007, reports said citing ATS officials. However, the ATS did not book Purohit for “organising a terror camp” saying the sections for such a crime under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) did not exist at the time of Purohit’s arrest. ”Purohit organised a terror training camp near Pachmarhi in MP for semi-literate Hindus. The recruits were taught how to make firearms, assemble and operate them for ‘self-defence’ in the 15-day session. However, the intention was not self-defence but to disrupt communal harmony,” an ATS officer reportedly said.