Inspector general of police (Western Range) I M Prasad said that the men arrested were Rafiq from Buntwal and Fakir Bawa from Malur. The two were arrested in their respective home towns which are close to Mangalore.

Prasad said that the duo were closely linked to Riyaz Bhatkal and had played a very important role in the transportaion of bombs. Moreover these two men had also provided logistical support to Bhatkal and other members of the Indian Mujahideen [Images] who undertook Operation BAD.

The police say that Bawa had worked in Indonesia before coming to India. His links to terror groups in Indonesia are not being ruled out by the police.

The two persons were arrested based on the statements given by four persons who were arrested by the Delhi [Images] police from Mangalore recently.

The police are also expecting to get information on Bhatkal, who according tto the intyelligence bureau has slipped away to Dubai.