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Cops blame church blasts on ISI

Sandesh Prabhudesai in Panjim

The focus now seems to be on Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence, following bomb blasts in churches in Goa, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka on June 8.

Though local police are tight-lipped on investigations, sources said there were sufficient clues to show that the ISI was behind the blasts.

It is learnt that the probe is being monitored by the union ministry of home affairs, in co-ordination with police departments in the three states. It has been confirmed that the three blasts were not isolated cases.

The Congress has flayed the ISI theory, being supported by the Bharatiya Janata Party, stating that the ISI would never plant crude bombs. But, the police now say that the bombs were powerful.

The investigating authorities also believe that Vasco, a port town, was chosen strategically since it is also close to the airport and railway station.

Though they have reportedly concluded that an outsider was involved, the police are also trying to find out if there was a local connection.

The local Church, however, refuses to believe the theory. "I find no reason to believe it. What has the ISI to do with Goa? It appears to be a mere eyewash," said Fr Carmo Martins, a Church spokesman. He alleged that the Centre seemed to be supporting those involved in the act.

Asked he, "Has the Centre done anything practical over the year to protect minorities, while Churches and religious persons are being attacked?" The Church suspects a plot against minorities.

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